Journal Article

GSI-2018-00598

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Enhanced laser-energy coupling to dense plasmas driven by recirculating electron currents

Gray, R. J. ; Wilson, R. ; King, M. ; Williamson, S. D. R. ; Dance, R. J. ; Armstrong, C. ; Brabetz, C.GSI* ; Wagner, F.GSI* ; Zielbauer, B.GSI* ; Bagnoud, V.GSI* ; Neely, D. ; McKenna, P. (Corresponding author)

2018
Dt. Physikalische Ges. [Bad Honnef]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1088/1367-2630/aab089  doi:10.15120/GSI-2018-00598

Abstract: The absorption of laser energy and dynamics of energetic electrons in dense plasma is fundamental to a range of intense laser-driven particle and radiation generation mechanisms. We measure the total reflected and scattered laser energy as a function of intensity, distinguishing between the influence of pulse energy and focal spot size on total energy absorption, in the interaction with thin foils. We confirm a previously published scaling of absorption with intensity by variation of laser pulse energy, but find a slower scaling when changing the focal spot size. 2D particle-in-cell simulations show that the measured differences arise due to energetic electrons recirculating within the target and undergoing multiple interactions with the laser pulse, which enhances absorption in the case of large focal spots. This effect is also shown to be dependent on the laser pulse duration, the target thickness and the electron beam divergence. The parameter space over which this absorption enhancement occurs is explored via an analytical model. The results impact our understanding of the fundamental physics of laser energy absorption in solids and thus the development of particle and radiation sources driven by intense laser-solid interactions.

Note: "Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI. "

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Plasmaphysik / PHELIX (PPH)

Research Program(s):

1. 6211 - Extreme States of Matter: From Cold Ions to Hot Plasmas (POF3-621) (POF3-621)

Appears in the scientific report 2018

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Database coverage:
; ; ; ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; DOAJ Seal ; Ebsco Academic Search ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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