The evolution of large clusters exposed to a superintense ultrashort laser pulse is considered. Cluster excitation results from the interaction of its electron subsystem with the laser field. Multiple ionization and X-ray emission followed by explosion in clusters irradiated by a laser field are investigated. The increase of the electron temperature in this process and of the charge of the cluster ion are discussed. The reabsorption of photons in such a plasma is found to be relatively small. The optimal conditions are analyzed for efficient absorption of laser radiation by large clusters. This absorption occurs on the surface of the cluster only. The review is done of the works devoted to X-ray emission and generation of high harmonics of the incident radiation from a hot cluster ion. The optical density of the cluster plasma is found to be relatively small for resonance photons of multiply charged atomic ions produced inside the cluster. Expansion and decay of the cluster during and after the laser pulse are discussed.

PACS: 36.40.−c, 52.40.Nk, 61.46.+w, 85.42.+m (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2000v043n09ABEH000803 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2000/9/b/ 000165206800002 Citation: Krainov V P, Smirnov M B "The evolution of large clusters under the action of ultrashort superintense laser pulses" Phys. Usp. 43 901–920 (2000) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Крайнов В П, Смирнов М Б «Эволюция больших кластеров под действием ультракороткого сверхмощного лазерного импульса» УФН 170 969–990 (2000); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0170.200009b.0969