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Reflectivity of laser-produced plasmas generated by a high intensity ultrashort pulse

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.870665· OSTI ID:6691940
; ;  [1]; ; ;  [2]
  1. Rice Quantum Institute and Department of Electrical Computer Engineering, Rice University, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251-1892 (United States)
  2. Abteilung Laserphysik, Max-Planck-Institut fuer Biophysikalische Chemie, Postfach 2841, Am Fassberg, D-3400 Gottingen (Germany)

Solid state density aluminum and carbon plasmas were generated by 350 fs KrF laser pulses at intensities of 10[sup 17] W cm[sup [minus]2]. Reflectivity, x-ray emission, and spectra of the backscattered radiation were measured as a function of the laser polarization, angle of incidence, and intensity ([ital I]). For [ital p]-polarized light, the absorption ([ital A]) is almost intensity independent for 10[sup 15] W cm[sup [minus]2][lt][ital I][lt]2[times]10[sup 17] W cm[sup [minus]2], and can reach values up to [ital A]=0.8. For constant laser intensity, [ital p]-polarized light is up to a factor of 15 more efficient in generating x rays than [ital s]-polarized light. A polarization and angle of incidence-dependent absorption mechanism, such as resonance absorption or vacuum heating, is consequently important. The spectral line shape and positions of the reflected radiation from the carbon plasma showed a substantial intensity dependence. It is demonstrated that the backscattered spectrum is influenced by the plasma expansion (Doppler effect) and the temporal development of the electron density.

OSTI ID:
6691940
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas; (United States), Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas; (United States) Vol. 1:5; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English