Laboratory astrophysics experiments relating to ionising and weakly radiative shocks

The aim of the POLAR project$^{1}$ is to simulate, in the laboratory, the accretion shock region of a magnetic cataclysmic variable binary star system. Scaling laws have shown that laser experiments can be related to astrophysical phenomena by matching relevant dimensionless parameters$^{2,3}$. As well as forming a reverse shock, relevant to the POLAR project, the experimental system is also likely formed of a weakly radiating shock and an ionisation front. Results from our experiment at the Orion Laser are presented here, alongside comparisons to simulation and the astrophysical case (of relevance to triggered star formation$^{4,5}$.) References~: 1. Busschaert et al., NJP,~15, 3, 035020 (2013), 2. Falize et al., ApJ. 730, 96 (2011), 3. Ryutov et al., ApJ. 518, 821 (1999), 4. Dale et al., MNRAS 377, 535 (2007), 5. Tremblin et al., A{\&}A 564, A106 (2014)