Graphical user interface algorithms to retrieve cylindrically symmetric gas jet and laser-induced plasma densities...

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Laser-driven applications
• Optical diagnostics

Background:

• Accurate characterization of gaseous jets and laser-induced plasmas is vital for laser wakefield accelerators and other laser-plasma experiments.
• Interferometry is a standard diagnostic technique for measuring target profiles and densities in these setups.
• Existing methods may lack user-friendly interfaces or comprehensive uncertainty estimations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the algorithms of a publicly available Python software for retrieving plasma density profiles from interferograms.
• To provide a tool capable of analyzing both cylindrically symmetric and asymmetric targets.
• To enable easy refinement of calculations and generation of data outputs.

Main Methods:

• The software processes interferograms to retrieve the integrated phase shift experienced by a laser beam.
• It employs algorithms to calculate the radial density profile and associated uncertainties.
• A graphical user interface (GUI) facilitates user interaction and parameter adjustment.

Main Results:

• The software successfully retrieves density profiles for gaseous jets and laser-induced plasmas.
• It provides estimations for asymmetric target density distributions.
• Uncertainty quantification is integrated into the density profile calculations.

Conclusions:

• The developed Python software offers an efficient and accurate method for characterizing laser-plasma targets.
• Its GUI enhances usability for researchers in laser-plasma science.
• The tool supports the advancement of laser wakefield accelerators and related experimental fields.