Abstract

We will review high-power laser-plasma interaction experiments which have been performed at various laboratories. We will briefly discuss the standard diagnostics in use, such as picosecond resolution streak cameras, as well as some of the more novel approaches to the difficult diagnostic problems. The experiments can be split into two categories: long wavelengths, such as from C0₂ lasers, and near-vlsible wavelengths, as from Nd:glass. The long-wavelength experiments, while not usually at as high a power as the shorter- wavelength ones, offer the possibllity of direct measurement (via Thomson scattering) of plasma and ion waves. Direct scattered light measurements are awkward due to the relatively poor diagnostics available in the IR and require special techniques. Nd:glass experiments, especially frequency-doubled or -tripled ones, allow scattered light measurements in the special regime where the best instruments exist. The relatively high density of these plasmas makes direct measurements of plasma waves difficult at best. These plasmas may ateo be more collisional than the CO₂ formed ones.

© 1986 Optical Society of America