Simple diagnostics of on-target contrast using target reflectivity

Pirozhkov, A. S.

no journal, , 

Using three different laser systems, we demonstrate a convenient and simple diagnostics technique of the contrast of high-power short-pulse laser during the solid target irradiation experiments. The technique is based on the measurement of specular reflectivity of the irradiated target. The reflectivity remains high even at the relativistic irradiances above W/cm in the case of a high-contrast prepulse-free laser. On the contrary, the reflectivity drops at high irradiances in the case of an insufficient contrast.