In preparation for experiments on the ORION laser facility, a number of investigations have been performed to
characterise debris and shrapnel plumes arising from laser target interactions. These interactions may arise from the use
of long [ns] pulse or short [ps] pulse laser beams with mainly solid targets. Plume characteristics depend on the target
material and geometry. We describe interactions with metal or polymer targets and geometries including planar foils,
cylinders, wires, or complex combinations. Characterisation techniques were based mainly on glass witness plates or
aerogel catchers with subsequent analysis by optical or electron microscopy, spectro-photometry, and image analysis.
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