High-sensitive multi-pass imaging interferometry of a gas/plasma jet.

To increase the sensitivity of optical interferometry for diagnostic of gas/plasma jet density with weak refractivity, we realize several multi-pass probing setups with the visualization field. These optical setups are based on a modified Michelson interferometer with multi-pass and multi-angle propagation of the probing beam through the transparent inhomogeneity. In comparison to the standard single-pass Mach-Zehnder setup, the multi-pass interferometer allows for an increase in the measurement sensitivity of up to 8 times.

Experimental platform for investigations of high-intensity laser plasma interactions in the magnetic field of a pulsed power generator.

An experimental platform for the studying of high-intensity laser plasma interactions in strong magnetic fields has been developed based on the 1 MA Zebra pulsed power generator coupled with the 50-TW Leopard laser. The Zebra generator produces 100-300 T longitudinal and transverse magnetic fields with different types of loads. The Leopard laser creates plasma at an intensity of 10 W/cm in the magnetic field of coil loads.

Propagation of a laser-driven relativistic electron beam inside a solid dielectric.

Laser probe diagnostics: shadowgraphy, interferometry, and polarimetry were used for a comprehensive characterization of ionization wave dynamics inside a glass target induced by a laser-driven, relativistic electron beam. Experiments were done using the 50-TW Leopard laser at the University of Nevada, Reno. We show that for a laser flux of ∼2 × 10(18) W/cm2 a hemispherical ionization wave propagates at c/3 for 10 ps and has a smooth electron-density distribution.

Transformation of a tungsten wire to the plasma state by nanosecond electrical explosion in vacuum.

Experiment demonstrates the first direct transformation of a tungsten wire core to the plasma state by Joule heating during nanosecond electrical explosion in vacuum. Energy of approximately 130 eV/atom was deposited into the 12 microm W wire coated by 2 microm polyimide during the first approximately 10 ns. All the metal rapidly transformed to highly ionized plasma, while the surrounding polyimide coating remained primarily in a gaseous state.