Laser Interaction with Structured Targets
Structures targets in general and foam targets in particular have gained considerable importance over the last decade in laser-based research.
Low-density foams are being investigated in the context of ICF/IFE for reducing hydrodynamic instabilities, controlling parametric instabilities, hot electron generation and as a matrix for wetted targets. High-density foams are promising candidates for particle acceleration mechanisms and hard X-ray and gamma-ray generation using short-pulse lasers.
However, there are still many open questions concerning accurate simulation of such targets, reliable, controlled production and the homogenization process which turns the solid structure into a plasma.
This Special Topic will address all topics related to nano-targets, produced chemically or by additive manufacturing. The following topics are of interest:
- The physics of high-power lasers interacting with structured targets on the
nano-scale - Plasma homogenization process and active control of plasma temperatures
- New simulation approaches to laser-plasma interaction
- Technology of two-photon-polymerization process (3D printing)
- Experimental results of high-power lasers interacting with foams in the long-pulse regime (nano-seconds) and short-pulse regime (femto-seconds)