Formation of a shock wave structure under conditions of expansion of a laser plasma in a low-density gas

A spectroscopic diagnostic technique was used in an experimental investigation of the interaction between an expanding laser plasma (aluminum) and a low-density background gas (xenon). It was found that, as the pressure increased, at p_Xe ~1–5 Torr the interaction between the laser plasma and the background changed from interpenetration to the formation of an interface. The results are analyzed.