On the use of gas jet targets for laser plasma interaction physics with nanosecond laser pulses

Abstract
The implementation of gas jet targets appears to be a very attractive alternative to pre-exploded thin foils targets for relativistic laser plasma interactions. In this article, we report a review of recent results obtained by focusing a nanosecond laser beam onto a gas jet target. The benefit of gas jet targets for the generation of homogeneous and large scale plasmas, which are of interest for a MJ program will be presented. Additionally, laser beam smoothing, the studies of parametric instabilities (Raman and Brillouin) and applications in atomic physic in warm and dense plasmas will be discussed.