Relativistic electron generation in laser produced ion channels

Neda Naseri; Denis Pesme; Wojciech Rozmus

doi:10.1117/12.2021608

7 May 2013 Relativistic electron generation in laser produced ion channels

Neda Naseri, Denis Pesme, Wojciech Rozmus

Proceedings Volume 8779, Laser Acceleration of Electrons, Protons, and Ions II; and Medical Applications of Laser-Generated Beams of Particles II; and Harnessing Relativistic Plasma Waves III; 877913 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2021608
Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2013, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

This contribution is concerned with the channeling of a relativistic laser pulse propagating in an underdense plasma, and with the subsequent generation of fast electrons in the cavitated ion channels. Specifically, we study the interaction of laser pulses of duration of several 10² femtoseconds, having their intensity Iλ² in the range [10¹⁹; 10²⁰]Wcm⁻²μm² and focused in underdense plasmas, with electron densities n₀ such that the ratio n₀=n_c lies in the interval [10⁻³, 10⁻¹], n_c denoting the critical density. The laser power P_L exceeds the critical power for laser channeling P_ch = 1:09P_c, P_c denoting the critical power for relativistic self-focusing. The laser-plasma interaction under such conditions is investigated by means of three dimensional (3D) Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulations. It is observed that the steep laser front gives rise to the excitation of a surface wave which propagates along the sharp radial boundaries of the electron free channel created by the laser pulse. The mechanism responsible for the generation of relativistic electrons observed in the PIC simulations is then analyzed by means of a 3D test particles code. The fast electrons are thus found to be generated by the combination of the electron acceleration caused by the surface wave and of the betatron mechanism. The maximum electron energy observed in the simulations is scaled as a function of P_L/P_c; it reaches 350 - 400 MeV for P_L/P_c = 70 - 140.

Citation Download Citation

Neda Naseri, Denis Pesme, and Wojciech Rozmus "Relativistic electron generation in laser produced ion channels", Proc. SPIE 8779, Laser Acceleration of Electrons, Protons, and Ions II; and Medical Applications of Laser-Generated Beams of Particles II; and Harnessing Relativistic Plasma Waves III, 877913 (7 May 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2021608

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KEYWORDS

Photonic integrated circuits

Particles

Plasma

Pulsed laser operation

Wave propagation

Optical simulations

Electroluminescence

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