Interaction of ultrashort high intensity laser pulses with liquids

Many interesting phenomena are observed when ultrashort high intensity laser pulses interact with liquid targets, which are very distinct from the interactions of laser pulses with solid or gas targets. We describe the laser induced high pressure shock waves, laser bubbles, X－rays, ultrahot electrons and white light that are produced in water plasmas, their characteristics, and the mechanisms of formation. The potential applications of ultrashort high intensity laser pulses interacting with different forms of liquid targets are also discussed.