First Optical Observation of Intensity Dependent Laser Beam Deflection in a Flowing Plasma

The intensity dependent deflection of a laser beam traversing an exploding foil plasma is measured for the first time. An incident {ital f}/8 probe beam exhibits deflection of up to 6{degree} and angular spreading of as much as a 17{degree} cone angle ({ital f}/3.3) as it exits a preformed plasma with significant plasma flow. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}