Radiative characterization of supersonic jets and shocks in a laser-plasma experiment

TL;DR

This study experimentally investigates the properties and evolution of supersonic plasma jets and shocks generated in laser-plasma interactions, using advanced diagnostics and simulations to understand their structure and radiation characteristics.

Contribution

It provides a detailed experimental characterization of laser-generated plasma jets and shocks, and compares results with radiation hydrodynamic simulations to enhance understanding of their physical processes.

Findings

Jet and shock structures are influenced by ambient plasma density topology.

Velocity and electron temperature of jets and shocks are measured using X-ray diagnostics.

Experimental results align with radiation hydrodynamic simulations, revealing underlying physics.

Abstract

The interaction of supersonic laser-generated plasma jets with a secondary gas target was studied experimentally. The plasma parameters of the jet, and the resulting shock, were characterized using a combination of multi-frame interferometry/shadowgraphy, and X-ray diagnostics, allowing for a detailed study of their structure and evolution. The velocity was obtained with an X-ray streak camera, and filtered X-ray pinhole imaging was used to infer the electron temperature of the jet and shock. The topology of the ambient plasma density was found to have a significant effect on the jet and shock formation, as well as on their radiation characteristics. The experimental results were compared with radiation hydrodynamic simulations, thereby providing further insights into the underlying physical processes of the jet and shock formation and evolution.