Experimental investigation of powerful wide band radiation interaction with the condensed matters

We present the results of powerful (i.e. ionizing) wide band (with photon energy from visible to VUV) radiation interaction with the condensed matters. We used a source with a power up to 10⁷ W/cm² and processes duration 10⁻⁶-10⁻⁵ s. At schlieren and interferograph photos it is visible that the gasdynamic evaporation mode (the mode of the plasma piston) is implemented: there is a shock wave in gas, contact border between gas and vapors plasma. There is received thermodynamic parameters distribution on height in vapours over the target. The maximum temperature is reached not at contact border (from a radiation source), but in "plasma piston". (paper)