Characterization of laser-produced plasmas by ultraviolet Thomson scattering

Abstract
Space–time-resolved Thomson scattering was used to characterize the electron and ion temperatures in laser produced plasmas of various atomic numbers (Z=6, 13, 32, 73, 92). A Nd:glass laser with intensity between 1013 and 5×1014 W/cm2 was used to produce plasmas of relevance to laser fusion and x-ray laser studies. A comparison of the electron temperature and density deduced from Thomson scattering, x-ray spectroscopy, and lasnex hydrocode simulations is presented.