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

Interferometric data resolved to 1 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 1- scale length, clearly defined upper and lower density shelves, and small- and large-scale deformations of transverse isodensity of surfaces.