High-power laser-produced plasmas and astrophysics

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Abstract
The temperatures and the densities of plasmas produced by high-power lasers vary widely but in certain cases are similar to those found in astrophysical plasmas. In recent years our understanding of intense laser–matter interaction and the evolution of the resultingplasma has increased to the point where experiments can be designed to produce plasmas that allow astrophysical models to be tested. In this paper I review experimental work on laser-produced plasmas that is relevant to astrophysics. In the fields of highlyionized ion line identification and radiative opacity, relevant measurements have already been performed. Other experiments that could be performed with current laser facilities, including studies of X-ray nebula plasmas and complex radiation line transport, are described. In addition, experiments to investigate plasmas under more extreme conditions, which may be achievable with more powerful lasers, are mentioned.