Electric field dynamics and ion acceleration in the self-channeling of a superintense laser pulse

Year: 2009

Authors: Macchi A., Ceccherini F., Cornolti F., Kar S., Borghesi M.

Autors Affiliation: CNR INFM, polyLAB, Pisa, Italy;
Univ Pisa, Dipartimento Fis Enrico Fermi, I-56127 Pisa, Italy;
Queens Univ Belfast, Sch Math & Phys, Belfast BT7 1NN, Antrim North Ireland

Abstract: The dynamics of electric field generation and radial acceleration of ions by a laser pulse of relativistic intensity propagating in an underdense plasma has been investigated using a one-dimensional electrostatic, ponderomotive model developed to interpret experimental measurements of electric fields (Kar S et al 2007 New J. Phys. 9 402). Ions are spatially focused at the edge of the charge-displacement channel, leading to hydrodynamical breaking, which in turn causes the heating of electrons and an ‘echo’ effect in the electric field. The onset of complete electron depletion in the central region of the channel leads to a smooth transition to a ‘Coulomb explosion’ regime and a saturation of ion acceleration.

Journal/Review: PLASMA PHYSICS AND CONTROLLED FUSION

Volume: 51 (2)      Pages from: 024005  to: 024005

KeyWords: laser-plasma interactions; self-focusing of laser beams;
DOI: 10.1088/0741-3335/51/2/024005

Citations: 17
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