Experimental investigations of heavy-ion-generated shock waves in solid, multilayered targets were performed by applying a Schlieren and a laser-deflection technique. Shock velocity and the corresponding pressures, temporal and spatial density profiles inside the material compressed by multiple shock waves, and details of the shock dynamics were determined. Important for equation-of-state and phase transition studies, such experiments extend their relevance to inertial confinement fusion and astrophysical fundamental research.

The dynamics of low entropy weak shock waves induced by heavy ion beams in solid targets was investigated by means of a schlieren technique. The targets consist of a metallic absorber for the beam energy deposition followed by a plexiglass block for optical observations. Multiple waves propagating with supersonic velocities at 15 kbar pressures were observed in the plexiglass, for pressures of up to 70 kbar numerically calculated in the absorbers. Pressures in the megabar ranges are predicted for a near future beam upgrade, enabling studies of phase transition to metallic states of H, Kr, and Xe.