Interferometric Confirmation of Radiation-Pressure Effects in Laser-Plasma Interactions

Abstract

Interferometric data resolved to 1 \ensuremath{\mu}m and 15 psec confirm the significant role of radiation pressure during high-intensity laser-plasma interactions. Specifically observed manifestations include electron density profiles steepened to \ensuremath{\sim}1-\ensuremath{\mu}m scale length, clearly defined upper and lower density shelves, and small- and large-scale deformations of transverse isodensity of surfaces.