The transmitted angular distribution of a 527 nm nearly diffraction-limited laser is measured after it propagates through a plasma with supersonic transverse flow. The laser beam is deflected by as much as 10° and exhibits bowlike features in the flow direction, which is attributed to flow-induced beam steering. The finite interaction volume allows for direct comparison with a 3D hydrodynamic simulation, which is in good agreement with details of the experiment.

• Received 20 September 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.678