Intensive (up to 1015 W/cm2) Laser Light Absorption and Energy Transfer in Subcritical Media with or Without High‐Z Dopants

Fabrication methods for low‐density fine‐structure (cell size <1 μm) 3‐D networks of cellulose triacetate (TAC) are developed. Target densities ranged 4–20 mg/cc, similar polymer structures were produced both with no load and with high‐Z cluster dopant with concentration up to 30%. Foams of varying density down to 0.25 plasma critical density at the third harmonic of iodine laser wavelength are supplied for laser shots. Experiments with underdense foam targets with and without clusters irradiated on the PALS laser facility are analyzed preliminary, showing strong influence of target structure on process of laser light absorption. Heat and radiation transport in such targets are considered.