Laser breakdown in alcohols and water induced by λ = 1064 nm nanosecond pulses

►Laser spark column consists of a train of micro plasma balls, triggered by microscopic inclusion particles. ►At longer times, concentric micro-bubbles and spherical shockwaves appear. ►Warmed channels were observed in the focal volume. ►Cylindrical shockwaves, expanding in radial direction, were observed in all alcohols and were missing in water. ►The estimated breakdown thresholds disagree with the model of moving breakdown.