Space and Time Resolved Density Mapping of Laser Ablation Plasma using Optical Interferometry*

High-power lasers have been of interest due to their ability to generate hot plasmas, and their potential for various applications such as particle acceleration, x-ray generation, and laser fusion studies. Specifically, the interaction of long pulse laser with solid and plasma have been studied to generate Laser ablated plasmas and shocks.

In this study, we present the density measurements of laser ablated plasmas from solid targets. Laser Ablation Plasmas and Shocks laboratory (LAPS) at UCSD has nano-second (i.e. 6, 8, 12 ns etc.) lasers at different wavelengths (i.e. 1064, 527 nm etc.) with energy ranges up to ~40 Joule. These lasers are used to generate ablated plasma. The optical interferometer was employed to measure the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of the plasma density for different laser parameters such as laser energy and intensity. Experimental methods and results will be presented in this poster.

This research was supported by funds from the UC Multi-Campus Research Programs and Initiatives of the University of California, Grant Number M23PR5854.