Ignition study of acetone/air mixtures by using laser-induced spark

► The breakdown has been characterized for different mixtures with acetone and air. ► The presence of acetone in air reduces the energy required for a breakdown. ► The laser-induced spark ignition of acetone-air mixtures has been studied. ► The probability of ignition must be expressed versus energy absorbed by the plasma. ► The MIE is U-shaped with a minimum equal to 1.15 mJ at Φ = 1.6.