Reflectivity of a shocked solid surface

Using a one-dimensional hydrodynamic code and a post-processor which treats the propagation of an electromagnetic wave in an inhomogeneous plasma, we have studied the reflectivity of a shocked solid surface. The simulations were used to assess the diagnostic value of such measurements in determining the electrical conductivity of a dense plasma. Results of the calculations were also compared with recent measurements on the rear surface reflectivity of a laser-irradiated foil. This suggested that the conductivity used in the present simulations was overestimated.