Effects of nonionizing prepulses in high-intensity laser-solid interactions.

We present theoretical and experimental evidence that nonionizing prepulses with intensities as low as 10(8)-10(9) W/cm(2) can substantially alter high intensity laser-solid interactions. We show that prepulse-heating and vaporization of the target can lead to a preformed plasma once the vapor is ionized by the rising edge of the high-intensity pulse. Our results indicate that peak prepulse intensity is not the only important parameter to consider in determining preformed plasma thresholds, and that a more comprehensive analysis of the prepulse duration and the target material is required.