Probing of laser-irradiated solid targets using coherent extreme ultra-violet radiation

L.A. Wilson, G.J. Tallents

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The diagnostic potential of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) coherent probing within a laser produced plasma is investigated. A fluid code is used to model the interaction of a 35fs, 2×10Wcm 800nm laser pulse with an 800nm thick aluminium target. A post processor is used to calculate the refractive index and transmission to 45eV radiation of the target. The effects of EUV radial phase variations at the rear of the target on the intensity distribution at a detector 1.5m from the target are studied. An irradiated aluminium target is found to have little effect on the transmission of 45eV radiation, however, there are significant phase retardation differences of the probing beam in the radial direction. These phase variations affect the subsequent propagation of the radiation, suggesting that a simple diagnostic that measures the far-field footprint of the coherent EUV radiation passing through an irradiated target is sensitive to radial variations of the target heating. Sample calculated footprint variations associated with a drop in laser absorption to an irradiance of 10Wcm at a radius from the focal centre of 50μm are shown.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)402-406
JournalHIGH ENERGY DENSITY PHYSICS
Volume9
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2013

Cite this