Effects of nonionizing prepulses in high-intensity laser-solid interactions.
We present theoretical and experimental evidence that nonionizing prepulses with intensities as low as 10(8)-10(9) W/cm(2) can substantially alter high intensity laser-solid interactions. We show that prepulse-heating and vaporization of the target can lead to a preformed plasma once the vapor is ionized by the rising edge of the high-intensity pulse. Our results indicate that peak prepulse intensity is not the only important parameter to consider in determining preformed plasma thresholds, and that a more comprehensive analysis of the prepulse duration and the target material is required.
Wharton
K B
KB
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, P.O. Box 808, 94550, USA.
Boley
C D
CD
Komashko
A M
AM
Rubenchik
A M
AM
Zweiback
J
J
Crane
J
J
Hays
G
G
Cowan
T E
TE
Ditmire
T
T