A double-target technique is used to measure the velocity-profile uniformity with which laser-irradiated thin-foil targets are ablatively accelerated. Studies of the effects of laser nonuniformities on the target acceleration reveal an increase in lateral smoothing with increasing laser intensity. Measurements of targets accelerated to velocities (160 km/sec) sufficient for pellet fusion implosions will be presented and discussed.

• Received 29 December 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.46.1402