By converting a coherent wave to a random-phased wave, the intensity profile on a target becomes easily controllable. Planar as well as spherical targets were irradiated for the first time by the random-phased wave. The targets were uniformly accelerated without being affected by the small-scale intensity nonuniformities. The $\frac{3}{2}$-harmonic emission shows that the plasma waves at $\frac{n_c}{4}$ are only weakly excited in a spherical plasma. Irradiation with short-wavelength, random-phased beams will be suitable for compression.

• Received 4 October 1983

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.53.1057