Interferometric and chirped optical probe techniques for high-pressure equation-of-state measurements

We present experimental work exploring displacement and velocity interferom etry as high spatial and temporal resolution diagnostics for measuring targ et preheat and the speed, planarity, and steadiness of a shock wave. A chir ped pulse reflectometry experiment is also proposed as a frequency domain a lternative for shock speed measurements. These techniques fill a need for h igh-precision diagnostics to derive accurate laboratory-based equation-of-s tate data at shock wave-driven pressures directly relevant to astrophysical systems. The performance of these optical laser probe techniques may excee d conventional passive techniques such as temporally streaked recording of optical emission upon shock breakout or side-on streaked X-ray radiography. Results from Nova laser and high-intensity ultrashort pulse experiments ar e presented.