Light-matter interaction has several applications such as laser ignition in combustors, nano-lithography for the semiconductor industry, surface cleaning at the nanometer length scale, and several sophisticated biomedical applications. The interaction of light (laser-pulse) with liquid droplets can be performed in laboratories such that the associated phenomena and physics can be ported into specific applications to aid and improve their efficiency. Controlled interaction (optical breakdown) of a laser-pulse with a liquid droplet can deform, propel, and fragment the droplet. In this video, we show the impact of a nanosecond laser pulse onto an acoustically levitated droplet for different liquids. Depending on the laser energy, liquid properties, and droplet location with respect to the focal point, the intensity of the breakup can range from being extremely violent to a stable jelly-fish type breakup. The evolution of the droplet was recorded by a high-speed camera at 50000 frames per second. The results shown in this video can be useful in medical applications such as non-intrusive treatment of cancer-related tumours and the breaking of kidney stones by controlling the Spatio-temporal scales of the laser with respect to the tumour/stones.
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