Atomic processes in plasmas under ultra-intense laser irradiation

Conference · Tue Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.39278· OSTI ID:5287666

Schappert, G T; Casperson, D E; Cobble, J A; Comly, J C; Jones, L A; Kyrala, G A; LaGattuta, K J; Lee, P H.Y.; Olson, G L; Taylor, A J

Lasers delivering subpicosecond pulses with energies of a fraction of a Joule have made it possible to generate irradiance levels approaching 10{sup 20} W/cm{sup 2}. We presently operate two such systems, a KrF based excimer laser capable of producing a few 10{sup 17} W/cm{sup 2} at 248 nm with a repetition rate of 3--5 Hz and a XeCl based excimer laser capable of producing mid 10{sup 19} W/cm{sup 2} at 308 nm and 1 Hz. We will discuss some experimental results and the theory and modeling of the interaction of such intense laser pulses with aluminum. Because of a small ASE prepulse the high intensity interaction is not at the solid surface but rather at the n{sub e} = 2 {times} 10{sup 22} cm{sup {minus}3} critical density of the blowoff plasma generated by the ASE. The transient behavior of the plasma following the energy deposition by the intense subpicosecond pulse can be viewed as the energy-impulse response of the plasma. Experimental results and modeling of the x-ray emission from this plasma will be presented. 15 refs., 8 figs.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/DP
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5287666
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-89-4047; CONF-8911138--1; ON: DE90003221
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640302* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Atomic & Molecular Properties & Theory
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ALUMINIUM
ATOMIC PHYSICS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ELECTRON DENSITY
ELEMENTS
EXCIMER LASERS
GAS LASERS
KRYPTON FLUORIDE LASERS
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
LASERS
METALS
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
PHYSICS
PLASMA
X-RAY EMISSION ANALYSIS