Characterization of argon cluster jets for the study of the laser-cluster interaction

Argon clusters jets were produced at the output of supersonic nozzles and used as targets for intense laser-clusters interaction experiments. They were fully characterized combining two optical diagnostics (Mach-Zehnder interferometry and Rayleigh Scattering) with the support of a numerical simulation. This study was performed with Laval and conical nozzles. Homogeneous clusters size profiles were observed at the output of the conical nozzle. Clusters mean radius was measured in the range from 200 to 300 angstroms, increasing with the input Argon pressure varying from 20 to 60 bars. (authors)