Indirect and direct laser driven shock waves and applications to copper equation of state measurements in the 10-40 Mbar pressure range

High quality shock waves with direct- and indirect-laser drive were generated. We used the phase zone plate smoothing technique in the case of direct drive and thermal x rays from laser heated cavities in the case of indirect drive. The possibility of producing homogeneous, steady shock waves without significant preheating effects with both methods has been proved. By using such shocks, copper equation of state measurements have been performed up to 40 Mbar, which was previously obtained only with nuclear explosions.