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Title: Electron density structure of the plasma produced on glass microballoons by 10. 6. mu. m radiation

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
OSTI ID:6545039

A detailed study is presented of the 0.4 to 40 n/sub c/ plasma region created by nanosecond, 10.6 ..mu..m, 1 to 38 J laser pulses incident upon unfilled glass microballoon targets. Many interesting features were observed including electron density scale lengths (L/sub c/) and step heights (N/sub p/) through n/sub c/ as short as 0.3lambda/sub 0/ and as high as 38n/sub c/, respectively. An attempt has been made to explain these parameters in terms of recent theories, and a consistent picture only seems to emerge if important roles are assigned to the superthermal plasma component and the effect of inhibited energy transport during laser irradiation.

Research Organization:
National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa
OSTI ID:
6545039
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Vol. 24:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English