Low-fluence laser interaction with metallic target is investigated in a wide range of irradiance, from 5 × 106 to 1011 W/cm2, with 4- and 30-ns laser-pulse durations and 1.06-μm wavelength. Edge effects are avoided by means of large surfaces of irradiation (5 cm2). Specific diagnostics such as a ballistic pendulum and a piezoelectric quartz gauge are developed to measure the total momentum imparted to the target, as well as the temporal evolution of the stress at the rear side of the target. Specular reflection and sidescattering of the laser light from the target are also measured. The behavior of 2024 aluminum alloy is particularly studied. The results are interpreted in terms of liquid-vapor transition and change in laser absorption.In light of experimental data, the theoretical analysis of surface absorption is reviewed, showing the dependence on metal temperature and laser wavelength. The thermal and mechanical coupling is also calculated.Numerical simulations are performed with a 1–D Lagrangian hydrodynamic code including modifications for low-pressure regimes. The multiphase equation of state is extended to take into account negative pressures. An elastoplastic module is introduced into the code. A quite good agreement is obtained with the measurements of the stress and of the mechanical coupling coefficient.

The effect of laser-beam spatial modulations on plane targets is analyzed as a function of modulation scale length and target material by means of x-ray shadowgraphy. At short laser wavelength it is shown that lateral energy smoothing is clearly improved because of the strong x-ray emission from the irradiated high-Z side of layered targets. The results, interpreted in terms of radiation-driven thermal transport, are in agreement with numerical simulations. PACS numbers: 52.50.Jm, 44.40. + a, 52.25.Fi, 52.55.Mg

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