title: Effects of nonionizing prepulses in high-intensity laser-solid interactions.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, P.O. Box 808, 94550, USA.
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Wharton
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Boley
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Komashko
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rubenchik
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zweiback
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Crane
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hays
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ditmire