Temporal multiplexing of Thomson scattering for the study of laser-produced plasmas

We present a technique to obtain simultaneous recording of time-resolved Thomson scattering spectra at multiple locations in a laser-produced plasma. The multiplexing technique, although simple, makes possible for the first time the direct correlation of the behavior of plasma waves at different locations within the interaction region in a plasma. The application of this technique to the study of parametric instabilities in laser-produced plasmas is discussed, as well as the potential application to other diagnostics. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.