Vortex shedding due to laser ablation

Abstract

An investigation of laser-driven targets shows the generation and subsequent shedding of strong vortex structures from the ablation layer whenever the density and pressure profiles become noncollinear. It is shown here that vortex shedding explains the inhibited linear Rayleigh–Taylor growth, the short-wavelength cutoff, dynamic stabilization and clarifies the role of the Kelvin–Helmholtz roll-up.