Laser-driven strong shocks with infrared lasers at intensity of 1016 W/cm2

We present the results of an experiment on laser-driven shock waves performed at the Prague Asterix Laser system (PALS), where the fundamental frequency of the laser (1315 nm) is used to launch a strong shock in planar geometry. The experiment aims to characterize both shock waves and hot electrons generated at intensities of ≃1016 W/cm2. It is shown that, in these interaction conditions, hydrodynamics is strongly impacted by noncollisional mechanisms, and the role of the hot electrons, generated by parametric instabilities, is essential in determining shock dynamics.