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Cloud hole boring with long pulse CO(2) lasers: theory and experiment
Applied Optics
|August 14, 2010
Summary
Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser pulses effectively cleared stratus clouds in a lab. This 10.6 micrometer wavelength laser technology works by shattering droplets, leading to evaporation and cloud clearing.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric physics
- Laser-induced cloud modification
Background:
- Cloud clearing is crucial for various applications, including weather modification and atmospheric research.
- Understanding the interaction between laser energy and cloud microphysics is essential for developing effective clearing techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser pulses in clearing stratus-like clouds.
- To elucidate the physical mechanisms responsible for laser-induced cloud clearing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a laboratory cloud chamber to simulate stratus cloud conditions.
- Employed chemically generated carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser pulses at a 10.6 micrometer wavelength.
- Analyzed the clearing process and channel closure dynamics.
Main Results:
- Achieved 100% clearing of a 5-cm diameter cloud channel.
- Identified droplet shattering followed by evaporation as the primary clearing mechanism.
- Observed channel closure primarily due to turbulent mixing and droplet recondensation.
Conclusions:
- Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) lasers are a viable tool for achieving significant cloud clearing.
- The study provides insights into the microphysical processes governing laser-cloud interactions.
- Further research can explore scaling these findings for real-world atmospheric applications.
