In-plane propagation and focusing of laser-driven shock waves

Typically, laser induced shock research involves focusing an intense laser pulse into a thin layer which launches a shock pulse into the underlying material that includes the sample of interest. A novel approach to optical shock generation has been demonstrated that permits direct real-time visualization of the shock front. Our approach opens up new possibilities for controlling the shock parameters and for a wide range of spectroscopic measurements of shock propagation and sample response. In this approach, a shock wave is generated that propagates \textit{laterally} in the plane of the sample (perpendicular to the direction of the optical beam) rather than through the sample plane. The optical configuration and sample geometry make shock wave formation and propagation directly accessible to optical imaging and spectroscopic probes with wavelengths ranging from UV to far-IR. With proper shaping of the optical shock generation pulse, focusing of the shock response can be initiated to provide increased shock pressure. Preliminary results will be shown that illustrate some of the possibilities for shock generation, control, and measurement.