Dynamics of laser-driven, ablatively accelerated targets

The characteristics of ablation plasma from planar targets, driven by long Nd:glass laser pulses and the velocity of the ablatively accelerated targets were studied. Ablation plasma diagnostics include arrays of time of flight ion collectors, plasma calorimeters, and ballistic pendula which directly measure the plasma velocity, energy, and momentum. The ballistic pendula were tested and calibrated in the experimental environment. A double foil technique was developed to study the velocity of the accelerated target. Measurements of plasma energy, velocity, and momentum, determine the scaling with irradiance and the absolute magnitudes of the ablation pressure, velocity and ablation depth or mass ablation rate.