Shock Wave Process and Numerical Calculations

Abstract

In the early estimation of Basov and Krokhin^l and Dawson², it was assumed that the laser energy is absorbed homogeneously in the whole solid. The same assumption was also made in the calculations of Haught and Fader^3,4. In a number of publications starting in 1965, Krokhin et al.^5,6,7 and Caruso et al.^8,9 concluded that a non-transparent layer is formed on the surface of the solid in the very early stages of the irradiation process. Most of the laser energy is absorbed in this layer, and a hot plasma is formed and expands with high velocities. The reaction forces produce a shock wave in the solid.

Presented by H. Hora at the Workshop on “Laser Interaction and Related Plasma Phenomena”, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Hartford Graduate Center, June 9–13, 1969.