Shock-wave production and plasma motion in CO/sub 2/-laser-irradiated targets

Journal Article · Sun Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.92316· OSTI ID:6652869

Goldstone, P D; Benjamin, R F; Schultz, R B

We use visible-light, streaked shadowgraphy to make to first measurements of several transport and expansion phenomena in CO/sub 2/-laser-irradiated foils. Measured velocities of the free-surface motion, produced by the laser-driven shock wave, at the foil's rear surface yield shock pressures in reasonable agreement with theory. The velocity of plasma expansion from the absorption region is observed to change abruptly after approx.1.5 ns. We speculate that this effect is due to relaxation of the steepened plasma profile. Energy transport from the front to rear surface via the target's edge, which complicated shock studies, is controllable with a simple shield.

• Research Organization: University of California, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6652869
• Journal Information: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 38:4; ISSN APPLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360605* -- Materials-- Radiation Effects
ABSORPTION
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DATA
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FOILS
GAS LASERS
INFORMATION
LASER RADIATION
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
LASERS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NUMERICAL DATA
PHOTOGRAPHY
PLASMA
RADIATIONS
RELAXATION
SHOCK WAVES
STREAK PHOTOGRAPHY
SURFACES
TARGETS
THEORETICAL DATA
TIME DEPENDENCE
VELOCITY
VISIBLE RADIATION