Laser-driven acceleration of a dense matter up to 'thermonuclear' velocities

The results of theoretical studies and numerical simulations of laser-driven acceleration of a flat foil up to ultrahigh velocity of the order of 1000 km s−1, which corresponds to the achievement of thermonuclear temperatures due to kinetic energy transition into thermal energy at an inelastic impact, are reported. The behavior of a foil accelerated to such high velocities, in particular, the distribution of foil density, which defines thermonuclear reaction intensity, has been studied. The calculation results are compared with the results of the experiments performed on the Gekko/HIPER laser, where a laser-driven projectile achieved record-breaking velocity. The laser pulse and foil parameters responsible for acceleration of the projectile up to 'thermonuclear' velocities in a dense state have been determined.