The Physics of Confined Laser Ablation and Its Applications

Wesley Keller | 19-ERD-027

Executive Summary

We are performing an experimental and computational investigation of confined laser ablation, a process in which plasma generated from laser–material interactions is "tamped" or contained, increasing shocks delivered to target materials. Extending our understanding of this process, with the goal of more efficiently producing high-pressure impulses, would benefit areas such as high explosives science, materials processing, and shock physics materials studies.