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Dynamics of laser-driven, ablatively accelerated targets

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6388487· OSTI ID:6388487
The characteristics of ablation plasma from planar targets, driven by long Nd:glass laser pulses (4 nsec, < 10/sup 14/ W/cm/sup 2/), and the velocity of the ablatively accelerated targets are experimentally studied. Ablation plasma diagnostics include arrays of time-of-flight ion collectors, plasma calorimeters, and ballistic pendula which directly measure the plasma velocity, energy, and momentum. The ballistic pendula have been tested and calibrated in the experimental environment. A novel double-foil technique has been developed and used to study the velocity of the accelerated target. Using measurements of plasma energy, velocity, and momentum, we determine the scaling with irradiance and the absolute magnitudes of the ablation pressure, velocity and ablation depth (or mass ablation rate).
Research Organization:
Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC (USA)
OSTI ID:
6388487
Report Number(s):
NRL-MR-4491
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English