We describe the production of dense, cool plasmas by the laser ablation of inertially confined foils. Transitions from Al I, Al II, and Al III ions provide the diagnostic information. The electron density $N_e$ and temperature $T_e$ are (1– $3\backslash )\times {10}^{19}{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3\mathrm{}}$ and 1–8 eV, respectively. These conditions are close to those required for complete loss of line features. The fractional depression of the ionization potential for Al I in these plasmas is similar to those found in hot ultradense plasmas.

• Received 22 September 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.74.3616