SHOCK PRESSURE AND FREE-SURFACE VELOCITY-MEASUREMENTS IN CONFINED INTERACTION - RESPONSE OF NEW VF2 VF3 PIEZOELECTRIC GAUGES/

To determine the peak pressure induced versus the incident intensity o f a neodymium (Nd) glass pulsed laser, with a duration of 25 ns in gla ss confined geometry, two methods have been comparatively used. Free s urface velocity measurements have been performed using an electromagne tic gauge. The results are compared with pressure measurements realize d at the back of irradiated aluminum targets with the use of polyvinyl idene fluoride (PVDF) gauges. Both diagnostics provide consistent resu lts. The measurements of peak pressure as a function of laser irradian ce are used to determine the calibration curve (current density versus loading pressure) for new VF2/VF3 copolymer shock gauges used in this laser-matter interaction configuration. These experimental set-up del iver time resolved measurements that are interpreted by the shock-prop agation phenomena.