Interaction of two laser plasmas in a vacuum and in the presence of a low-density gas

An experimental investigation was made of the interaction of two laser plasmas formed on the same plane target, for two distances between the points of plasma formation, both in a vacuum and in a surrounding gas. Framing and streak camera photography methods were used in the optical range. The nature of the interaction was found to vary considerably, depending on the distance between the plasma formation points and on the pressure of the ambient gas. Information was obtained on the role of the ion–ion and ion–electron friction in the investigated processes.