CONTROL OF THE PROPERTIES AND DIAGNOSTICS OF A DENSE FEMTOSECOND PLASMA FORMED FROM MODIFIED TARGETS

It was found that modification of the physical properties of the surfa ce layer of a target makes it possible to control, effectively and wit hin a wide range, the characteristics of a femtosecond laser plasma (t emperature, degree of ionisation, emissivity, and nonlinear-optical su sceptibility) at moderate intensities of 10(15)-10(16) W cm(-2), which are optimal for promising laser-plasma femtosecond technologies. The targets used in an experimental investigation were periodic structures (gratings), ultrafine freely suspended films, and porous materials. P otential applications of such targets at intensities above 10(17) W cm (-2) were considered.