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Title: Supersonic propagation of ionization waves in an under-dense, laser-produced plasma

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas
OSTI ID:875673

We observe a laser-driven supersonic ionization wave heating a mm-scale plasma of sub-critical density up to 2-3 keV electron temperatures. Propagation velocities initially 10 times the sound speed were measured by means of time-resolved x-ray imaging diagnostics. The measured ionization wave trajectory is modeled analytically and by a 2D radiation-hydrodynamics code. The comparison to the modeling suggests that nonlocal heat transport effects may contribute to the attenuation of the heat wave propagation.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
875673
Report Number(s):
UCRL-JRNL-207776; PHPAEN; TRN: US0600756
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 12; ISSN 1070-664X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English