Diagnosis of MBAR Laser Produced Shocks in Tin Using Short Pulse Probes

Abstract

We are studying shock induced melting using laser produced shock waves in tin foils. The diagnostics used for these studies include pump-probe reflectivity and interferometry using 40fs pulses. Rear surface expansion data from the interferometer suggests that we have reached pressures necessary to shock melt tin upon compression. We have seen no unambiguous change in the reflectivity data to date.