Study of matter at extreme conditions using laser-generated shock-waves

The generation of multi-Mbar shock-waves in the interaction of high power lasers with solid matter allows studies of matter at extreme conditions. In particular, we refer to the so-called warm dense matter (WDM) and hot dense matter (HDM), relevant to astrophysics, material science as well as for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF).

For instance, laser-generated shock waves have been used to determine equation-of-state points of strongly compressed matter, for which theory predictions were so far untested. Such measurements required the development of novel, sophisticated optical and X-ray diagnostics to both diagnose compressed matter and make sure that undesired effect due to laser-plasma instabilities and hydrodynamic instability do not affect the main measurements.

In this talk, I will present the principles of design and realization of experiments using high power laser generated shock-waves. I will present results of experiments, mainly concerning shock-wave detection, at several international laboratories. I will discuss the use of streaked optical diagnostics and of X-radiography. Finally, I will outline the scheme of a proof-of-principle experiment (scheduled for next June at GSI, Darmstadt) on X-ray phase contrast radiography.