A method of optimizing the irradiation of a target with laser radiation includes selecting and mounting on a laser radiation delivery device either a waveguide or optical fiber type to be used； also, selecting at least the following parameters: selecting the total energy of the at least one train of pulses to be delivered to the target, and selecting the distance from the distal delivery end to the target； then, initiating irradiation of the target for the at least one train of pulses by generating a first laser pulse with sufficient energy (E i ) to form a vapor bubble in a liquid medium； allowing the vapor bubble formed to expand an amount sufficient to displace a substantial portion of the liquid medium from the space between the distal delivery end and the target； and, thereafter, after the selected time delay (T d ) sufficient for the formed vapor bubble to reach its optimum extent, generating a second laser pulse (EP), the second laser pulse being delivered to the target through the formed vapor bubble.
