The transition from short- to long-timescale pre-pulses: Laser-pulse impact on tin microdroplets

We experimentally study the interaction of intense laser pulses with metallic microdroplets and resulting deformation. Two main droplet deformation regimes have previously been established: that sheet-type expansion after impact “long” (typically >10 ns) governed by incompressible flow spherical internal cavitation “short” <100 ps) shock waves, i.e., strongly compressible flow. In this work, we transition between these scanning pulse durations from 0.5 to 7.5 ns, where boundaries range correspond limiting cases for employed diameter 45 [Formula: see text]m. qualitatively describe observed types find scaling laws propulsion, expansion, spall-debris velocities as a function duration energy. identify ratio acoustic timescale critical parameter determining type Additionally, influence fast rise times comparing square- Gaussian-shaped pulses. These findings extend our understanding laser–droplet enlarge spectrum controllable target shapes can be made available future tin-droplet-based extreme ultraviolet sources.