UV laser, ionising air

I've noticed ultraviolet laser diodes have come out and I'd like to
use a UV laser to create a path of ionised air along which a pulse of
high voltage electric current can travel. I've heard of people doing
it before so I know it's possible. I want to ask if anyone can suggest
how many milliwatts of laser output would be required to ionise the
air in this way. Also, how would the temperature and humidity of the
air affect the ionisation? I realise increased humidity would aid the
flow of electric current.

 

(Marin) wrote in

<Snipola>

Milliwatts? At least several million if not tens of millions.

In other words this isn't going to happen with a UV laser diode.

Brian