Time-resolved interference microscopy for studying nonideal plasma formed by high-power femtosecond laser pulses

Abstract

Abstract Measurement results of characteristic size of plasma density inhomogeneity on the surface of bulk iron target formed under action of femtosecond laser pulses with intensity of 1016 W/cm2 are presented. Investigations are performed using time-resolved interference microscopy technique. Femtosecond laser pulses with high time contrast of 107 generated by chromium:forsterite laser system are applied. Efficacy of the chosen technique is demonstrated; the size of plasma inhomogeneity is shown to be less than 30 nm.