P. Mulser

Plasma Production by Laser

Abstract A review of high density, high temperature plasma production with pulse lasers is presented. In view of possible applications to thermonuclear fusion we limit our discussion to plasma generation from solid targets of low atomic number Z , with particular emphasis on solid deuterium.

Numerical Calculations of the Dynamics of Laser Produced Plasma

Abstract Numerical results are presented for the production of a plasma by laser irradiation and its motion in a one-dimensional geometry.

Laser produced plasma from solid hydrogen foils

Abstract A giant pulse ruby laser was focused onto solid hydrogen foils. The laser light was found to be absorber in a layer which penetrates the solid with a velocity of 3 × 10 6 cm/sec.

PONDEROMOTIVE FORCES IN INTERACTION OF LASER RADIATION WITH A PLASMA

Abstract Previous estimates of the nonlinear ponderomotive forces which arise in the interaction of intense laser light with plasma, indicate that thay can dominate the plasma expansion. We treat a model problem numerically and show the shortcomings of former approximate investigations.

Classical optics and light pressure in spherical laser plasmas

The propagation of light in spherical geometry is treated on the basis of the wave equation. Analytical formulae for classical reflection from pellets and plane targets under normal incidence are presented and the maximum electric field increase in smooth density profiles is determined. Density profile distortions due to light pressure and their influence on pellet compression are discussed in a steady-state model.

Numerical calculations of the dynamics of a laser irradiated solid hydrogen foil

Abstract Numerical results are presented for a gasdynamical model of a solid hydrogen foil, which is irradiated by a laser. The compressibility of the solid and the heat conductivity was included. The influence of the compressibility on the ejected plasma is discussed.

Comment on the production of fast ions by laser light pressure

Abstract Since the laser light pressure can be written as a gradient of a potential, long pulses, i.e., of ns duration, cannot effectively accelerate a noticeable portion of ions to superthermal velocities.