Ignition breakdown kernels of methane-air mixtures initiated by laser-induced sparks and by conventionaI electric sparks are compared during initial stages. Experiments were conducted using a four-stroke (Otto-cycle) single-cylinder typical high-pressure combustion chamber. The piston is cycled in the cylinder by using an electric motor driven hydraulic ram. An excimer laser beam, either produced from krypton fluoride gas (lambda = 238 nm) or argon fluoride gas (lambda = 193 nm), or a Nd:YAG laser beam (lambda = 1064 nm) is focused into a combustion chamber tu initiate ignition. Conventional electric spark ignition is used as a basis for comparison between the two different ignition methods and the resultant early breakdown kernel characteristics. A streak camera is used tu investigate and record the initial stages of Kernel formation. Both a breakdown and a radial expansion wave of the ignition plasma are observed for certain Laser ignition conditions of methane-air mixtures under typical internal combustion (IC) engine conditions. Results indicate that only certain wavelengths used for producing laser ignition produce a radial expansion wave. Laser ignition kernel size is calculated and laser-supported breakdown velocity is calculated by using Raizer＇s theory and is compared with measured results. Laser ignition results in a 4-6 ms decrease in the time for combustion to reach peak pressure than is obtained when using electric spark ignition in the same combustion chamber and under the same ignition conditions.