Measure of precursor electron density profiles of laser launched radiative shocks

Preliminary results have been presented elsewhere,* in this paper we go into more detailed analysis, including synthetic interferogram, and complete or correct some values, leading to a refined conclusion. * C.Stehlé, et al, Laser & Part.Beams 2010International audienceWe have studied the dynamics of strong radiative shocks generated with the high-energy subnanosecond iodine laser at Prague Asterix Laser System facility (Prague) over long time scales, up to 100 ns. These shock waves are characterized by a developed radiative precursor, a radiation driven ionization wave in front of the density jump of the shock. Electronic density profiles are measured at different times after the laser pulse and at different distances from the axis of the shock tube. A new feature, described as a split precursor, has been observed. Comparisons with two-dimensional computations are shown