Two-dimensional effects in laser-created plasmas measured with soft-x-ray laser interferometry
Date
2003
Authors
Shlyaptsev, V. N., author
Moon, S. J., author
Marconi, M. C., author
Kanizaym, K., author
Hammarsten, E. C., author
Jankowska, E., author
Rocca, Jorge J., author
Filevich, J., author
American Physical Society, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Soft-x-ray laser interferograms of laser-created plasmas generated at moderate irradiation intensities (1×1011-7×1012 W cm-2) with λ = 1.06 μm light pulses of ~13-ns-FWHM (full width at half maximum) duration and narrow focus (~30 μm) reveal the unexpected formation of an inverted density profile with a density minimum on axis and distinct plasma sidelobes. Model simulations show that this strong two dimensional hydrodynamic behavior is essentially a universal phenomena that is the result of plasma radiation induced mass ablation and cooling in the areas surrounding the focal spot.