Spectroscopy as diagnostic tool to investigate the HEL-material interaction

Abstract

This paper will report the use of spectroscopy in a series of experiments in which a High Energy Laser (HEL) interacts with target materials. After a brief description of the 30 kW L3O laser facility at TNO, the experimental results will be discussed. The main research question is whether spectroscopy can contribute to analysing the behaviour of the material during the interaction while the HEL is illuminating the target material. Selected experimental results will be shown and discussed. Conclusions will be drawn on how spectroscopy can contribute to analysing the HEL-material interaction indoors and potentially outdoors.