2025/09/22 by Justin Twardowski, Twardowski, Justin, Conrad Kuz +11
Physics and Astronomy · Engineering · #Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics #Laser-induced spectroscopy and plasma #Laser-Matter Interactions and Applications
paper · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2509.18336
Studying plasma dynamics is crucial for understanding processes like inertial confinement fusion, material damage, and shockwave formation from intense laser or current interactions. While pump-probe methods are standard for capturing these dynamics, single-shot experiments using high-power, low-repetition-rate systems with custom targets are challenging. We present a novel, to the best of our knowledge, imaging technique, using a synchronized GHz-rate spectrally tagged probe laser, which can capture multiple time-resolved snapshots from a single pump event. Diffraction optics spatially separate the pulses, yielding nanosecond-resolved images. Traditional pump-probe experiments with tantalum and borosilicate glass show shockwave velocities consistent with literature, validating the method's accuracy and utility in plasma diagnostics.