Interferometric confirmation of radiation-pressure effects in laser-plasma interactions

Abstract

Interferometric data resolved to 1 μm and 15 psec confirm the significant role of radiation pressure during high-intensity laser-plasma interactions. Specifically observed manifestations include electron density profiles steepened to ∼1-μm scale length, clearly defined upper and lower density shelves, and small- and large-scale deformations of transverse isodensity of surfaces. © 1978 The American Physical Society.