Picosecond x-ray laser interferometry of dense plasmas

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• X-ray Laser Science
• Hydrodynamic Modeling

Background:

• Laser-produced plasmas are crucial in various scientific fields.
• Understanding plasma dynamics requires accurate electron density measurements.
• Existing methods face limitations in spatial and temporal resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel picosecond interferometry technique for dense plasma analysis.
• To demonstrate the capability of soft x-ray lasers in plasma diagnostics.
• To enable high-resolution electron density profiling near plasma surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a 14.7 nm Ni-like Pd soft x-ray laser for interferometry.
• Employing picosecond laser pulses to minimize motion blurring and refraction.
• Performing high-quality two-dimensional (2D) electron density measurements.

Main Results:

• Achieved direct measurement of electron density profiles within 10 micrometers of the target surface.
• Obtained high-resolution 2D density maps of fast-evolving plasmas.
• Successfully mitigated motion blurring and refraction effects.

Conclusions:

• Picosecond soft x-ray laser interferometry is a powerful tool for dense plasma characterization.
• The technique provides essential data for validating hydrodynamic codes.
• Enables unprecedented insights into the dynamics of laser-produced plasmas.