Applications of low-density foams for x-ray source studies and laser beam smoothing

• Published in: Journal of physics. Conference series Vol. 112; no. 4; p. 042056
• Main Authors: Limpouch, J, Renner, O, Borisenko, N G, Klír, D, Kmetik, V, Krousky, E, Liska, R, Mašek, K, Nazarov, W, Ullschmied, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.05.2008
• Subjects: Atomic physics; Chlorine; Dense plasmas; Density; Foams; Laser beams; Laser plasma interactions; Laser plasmas; Lasers; Physics; Plasma interactions; Plasmas (physics); Porous materials; Smoothing; Source studies; X ray sources
• ISSN: 1742-6596; 1742-6588; 1742-6596
• DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/112/4/042056

Layers of low density porous materials offer various applications in laser plasma interaction experiments. Two experimental studies of laser-foam interaction are presented. Firstly, time-integrated and time-resolved transmission of the laser beam through a layer of underdense plastic TAC (C12H16O8) foam was measured. The data are required for the design of dynamic smoothing of inhomogeneities inside a laser beam by its propagation through an underdense foam. Secondly, emission of K-shell lines from TMPTA (C15H20O6) foams of density 10 and 20 mg/cc doped by 10 or 20 weight % of chlorine was measured with a high spectral (>5000) and spatial (<10 μm) resolution. The demonstrated formation of a relatively thick homogenous plasma layer close to the foam surface may be used for atomic physics studies of multiply ionized dense plasmas.