Simulation and experiments of the laser induced breakdown of air for femtosecond to nanosecond order pulses

3D + 1 dimensional simulations and experimental results for the laser induced breakdown of air are presented. The simulations include the laser propagation, multi-photon and impact ionization and heating of the electrons using accurate atomic and molecular data. For laser pulses of duration from 100 fs to 1 ns mechanisms for the breakdown of air based on the pulse duration and intensity ranging from optical field ionization to electron impact ionization are found. The laser energies at which the breakdown occurs are found to be in good agreement with experimental results.