Thermochemical instability of transparent media induced by an absorbing inclusion

The initial stage of thermochemical instability induced by an absorbing inclusion within a transparent matrix, which irradiated by a laser beam, is studied. The instability results in a low threshold (formally non-threshold) optical breakdown of the matrix. It is brought about by the additional absorption of the laser light by the products of the chemical reactions in the matrix. The instability is characterized by a certain induction time when the rate of the chemical reactions is almost steady. When the induction is over, their rate rapidly increases. Theoretical estimate of the induction time are offered. The experimental study of the induction time dependence on the laser-beam intensity confirmed the theoretical estimation.