Laser-produced plasma: a new window for high pressure science

Summary form only given, as follows. High-energy-density laser-produced plasmas offer an unique window for the investigation of high pressure phenomena. From observations of the intensity of optical emission from and the reflectivity of a plasma generated by a laser-driven shock wave, one learns about not only the rate of thermal equilibriation between electrons and ions in a strongly coupled plasma but also the state of two-temperature nonequilibrium that exists in a shock wave. Or, one may use the K-shell photoabsorption spectrum in similar plasmas to test our understanding of pressure ionization processes. Alternatively, a plasma produced by the isochoric heating of an ultrathin foil using an ultrashort pulse laser can be used to assess the equation of state at high pressure.