Specular Reflection of Intense Laser Light Interacting with Solid Targets*

The absorption efficiency in laser plasma interactions is of prime importance to the development of fast ignition as a nuclear fusion power source. It has been observed that the coupling of laser energy into targets is a complex process depending on target material, configuration, and laser parameters. Studies were conducted on the Callisto and Titan laser systems at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with intensities of up to 10$^{20}$ W/cm$^{-2}$. Results will be presented for a variety of laser and target parameters.