Influence of laser design parameters on the hydrodynamics of microfusion plasmas

The quasi neutral, one dimensional motion generated in a cold, infinite, uniform plasma of density n0, by the absorption, In a given plane, of a linear pulse of energy per unit time and area φ - φ0t/τ, 0< t ≤ τ, is considered; the analysis allows for thermal conduction and viscosity of ions and electrons, their energy exchange, and an electron thermal flux limiter. The motion is found to be self similar and governed by single non dimensional parameter α similarto(n20 τ/φ0)2/3. Detailed asymptotic results are obtained for both α<<1and α>>1; the general (behaviour of the solution for arbitrary α is discussed. The analysis can be easily extended to the case of a plasma initially occupying a half-space, and throws light on the hydrodynamics of laser fusion plasmas. (Author) 51 refs