First Optical Observation of Intensity Dependent Laser Beam Deflection in a Flowing Plasma

Abstract
The intensity dependent deflection of a laser beam traversing an exploding foil plasma is measured for the first time. An incident f/8 probe beam exhibits deflection of up to 6° and angular spreading of as much as a 17° cone angle (f/3.3) as it exits a preformed plasma with significant plasma flow.