Subpicosecond KrF*-laser plasma interaction at intensities between 10¹⁴ and 10¹⁷W/cm²

The interaction of high-intensity subpicosecond KrF*-laser pulses with aluminium plasmas is investigated at intensities between 10¹⁴ and 10¹⁷ W/cm². Using a one-dimensional hydrocode, the laser energy absorption and time evolution of plasma parameters have been studied as a function of laser intensity, incidence angle, and polarization. Complementary particle-in-cell simulations have also been performed to check the collisionless absorption component carried by hot electrons and ions. These simulations are compared to previous experiments on laser pulse absorption and x-ray generation.