Influence of fast electrical discharge on expansion of laser produced plasma

For some applications of laser produced plasma it may be advantageous to implement some degree of control on the ion flux and velocity distribution in the plasma expansion. We have shown how a fast, high current discharge in a laser produced plasma leads to a dramatic increase in the plasma ionization and expansion velocity. These observations are consistent with a magnetohydrodynamic discharge model whereby the self-induced magnetic field causes radial compression of an open-ended plasma column.