Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 March 2009
Impedance-matching experiments are realized with a 0.26-μm-wavelength high-intensity laser irradiation of two-layered targets (Al-Au). From an ablation pressure of 50 Mbars produced in Al, a 100-Mbar shock pressure is obtained in Au. The X-UV emissivity of this shock at its breakthrough at the rear of the target is analyzed with a transmission grating coupled to an X-ray streak camera. Results obtained with various thicknesses of Al and constant Au thickness are shown, and compared with hydrodynamic codes where radiative transfer processes are taken into account. These preliminary experiments show that the estimated shock temperatures are consistent with the high pressures generated. This technique appears to be very promising for the task of obtaining equation-of-state data in these high-pressure ranges.