Random-phase plate effects on burn-through measurements of laser-irradiated plane-layered targets

• Published in: Laser and particle beams 1994-03, Vol.12 (1), p.111-120
• Main Authors: Evans, R., Ahmad, Z., Hall, T.A., Zakharenkov, Y.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Fusion product effects (e.g., alpha-particles, etc.), fast particles effects; Fusion products effects (eg, alpha-particles, etc.); Magnetic confinement and equilibrium; Physics; Physics of gases, plasmas and electric discharges; Physics of plasmas and electric discharges; Plasma production and heating; Plasma production and heating by laser beams
• ISSN: 0263-0346; 1469-803X
• DOI: 10.1017/S0263034600007278

The application of random-phase plates in laser beams to improve the uniformity of target ablation is investigated by combining the simultaneous X-ray and particle emission measurements of ablation characteristics. It is shown that if some hot spots with dimensions of a few µm exist on target they persist at least during the initial stages of the laser interaction process, producing a local maximum in the ablation pressure. Lateral energy transport, inferred from the neutral particle measurements, has little influence on absorbed energy redistribution (only 1% of the energy is transported from the laser focal spot to an outer region of 2 mm size).