Propagation of a laser-driven relativistic electron beam inside a solid dielectric

G. S. Sarkisov, V. V. Ivanov, P. Leblanc, Y. Sentoku, K. Yates, P. Wiewior, O. Chalyy, A. Astanovitskiy, V. Yu. Bychenkov, D. Jobe, and R. B. Spielman
Phys. Rev. E 86, 036412 – Published 28 September 2012

Abstract

Laser probe diagnostics: shadowgraphy, interferometry, and polarimetry were used for a comprehensive characterization of ionization wave dynamics inside a glass target induced by a laser-driven, relativistic electron beam. Experiments were done using the 50-TW Leopard laser at the University of Nevada, Reno. We show that for a laser flux of ∼2 × 1018 W/cm2 a hemispherical ionization wave propagates at c/3 for 10 ps and has a smooth electron-density distribution. The maximum free-electron density inside the glass target is ∼2 × 1019 cm3, which corresponds to an ionization level of ∼0.1%. Magnetic fields and electric fields do not exceed ∼15 kG and ∼1 MV/cm, respectively. The electron temperature has a hot, ringlike structure with a maximum of ∼0.7 eV. The topology of the interference phase shift shows the signature of the “fountain effect”, a narrow electron beam that fans out from the propagation axis and heads back to the target surface. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) computer simulations demonstrate radial spreading of fast electrons by self-consistent electrostatic fields driven by laser. The very low ionization observed after the laser heating pulse suggests a fast recombination on the sub-ps time scale.

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  • Received 23 March 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.86.036412

©2012 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

G. S. Sarkisov

  • Raytheon Ktech, 1300 Eubank Blvd, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87123, USA

V. V. Ivanov, P. Leblanc, Y. Sentoku, K. Yates, P. Wiewior, O. Chalyy, and A. Astanovitskiy

  • Department of Physics, University of Nevada Reno, 5625 Fox Ave, Reno, Nevada, 89506, USA

V. Yu. Bychenkov

  • P.N. Lebedev Physics Institute, RAS, 53 Leninski Prospect, Moscow, 119991, Russia

D. Jobe and R. B. Spielman

  • Raytheon Ktech, 1300 Eubank Blvd, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87123, USA

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Vol. 86, Iss. 3 — September 2012

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