INTERACTION OF LASER-RADIATION WITH A DENSE GAS-TARGET

An investigation was made of the interaction of a nanosecond laser pul se with a 'puff' gas target at gas densities sufficient for the format ion of a critical-density plasma, The parameters of the laser plasma f ormed in the central interaction region and at its periphery sere dete rmined by x-ray spectroscopic methods, The formation of a plasma chann el was observed and it was attributed to self-focusing of the laser ra diation in the ionised gas.