Studies of Material Responses to Dynamic Compression by Laser-Induced Shock Waves: Laser-Driven Shock-Wave Compression and Sample-Recovery Technique

We have developed laser-driven shock compression and sample recovery techniques for exploring novel materials. Strong shock waves are generated by hypervelocity impacts of mini-flyer accelerated by pulsed laser ablation. We have measured the mini-flyer velocity using a time-resolved velocimeter (VISAR), with the impact pressures estimated by means of the impedance match solution method. Through sample recovery techniques, the high-pressure phase transitions and dynamic stability of cubic diamond and hexagonal BN are investigated and compared in terms of shock compression durations.