Time-resolved Schlieren visualization of force transfer in the laser ablation of water

Force measurements in the time-domain in conjunction with Schlieren ICCD imaging were applied to perform a time-resolved study of shock waves generated during laser ablation of water. Shock wave evolution and vapor plume formation were visualized in the time-domain using the ICCD-enhanced Schlieren imaging and compared with the force-time curves measured with a piezoelectric force sensor. From such a comparison in the time-domain, conclusions were drawn regarding the role of shock waves and the dominant mechanism of impulse transfer in the laser ablation of water.