Shock wave pressure enhancement using short wavelength (0.35 μm) laser irradiation

Shock velocities in planar aluminum targets irradiated at 0.35- and 1.06-μm laser wavelengths have been measured. Absorbed intensities of ∼1.0×1014 W/cm2, produced by 700-ps full width at half-maximum Gaussian pulses, generated shock pressures of 1.0±0.2 and 0.6±0.2 TPa, respectively, demonstrating an enhancement of shock pressure at decreased laser wavelength.