Max Power of 1.3cm Diameter Laser Beam Propagating Air

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SUMMARY

The maximum power deliverable by a 1.3 cm diameter laser beam propagating through air is determined by the electric field strength, which is capped at 3.0 MV/m. The intensity (I) can be calculated using the formula I = P/A = c*epsilon0*E²/2. After substituting the electric field strength into the equation, the calculated intensity is 1.19 x 1010 W/m². However, the area calculation using the correct radius of 0.0065 m yields an intensity of 6.34 x 106 W/m², indicating a need for careful attention to unit conversions and geometric parameters.

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  • Understanding of electric field strength and its implications in air.
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Linus Pauling
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1. The maximum electric field strength in air is 3.0 MV/m. Stronger electric fields ionize the air and create a spark. What is the maximum power that can be delivered by a 1.3 cm diameter laser beam propagating through air?



2. I = P/A = c*epsilon0*E2/2



3. Using E = 3*106 for E, I use the above equation to solve for I, obtaining 1.19*1010. Multiplying by area, using pi*r2 and r = 0.013m, I obtain 6.34*106, which is incorrect.
 
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the diameter is 1.3cm so the radius is only .0065m
 
****... thanks :(
 

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