“…29,30 The gas pressure and temperature in these plasmas ͑Pϳ100 Torr, T ϳ400-700 K͒, 30 as well as the electron density and electron temperature ͑n e ϳ10 10 -10 11 cm Ϫ3 , T e ϳ0.5 eV͒ 30,31 are similar to those achieved in glow discharges. In addition, our previous experiments 32,33 suggest that the electron density and the gas temperature in such plasmas can be varied independently. This makes optically pumped plasmas an ideal environment for studies of possible effects of ionization on the shock propagation.…”