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Enhanced Multi-MeV Photon Emission by a Laser-Driven Electron Beam in a Self-Generated Magnetic Field

D. J. Stark, T. Toncian, and A. V. Arefiev
Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 185003 – Published 6 May 2016
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Abstract

We use numerical simulations to demonstrate that a source of collimated multi-MeV photons with high conversion efficiency can be achieved using an all-optical single beam setup at an intensity of 5×1022W/cm2 that is already within reach of existing laser facilities. In the studied setup, an unprecedented quasistatic magnetic field (0.4 MT) is driven in a significantly overdense plasma, coupling three key aspects of laser-plasma interactions at high intensities: relativistic transparency, direct laser acceleration, and synchrotron photon emission. The quasistatic magnetic field enhances the photon emission process, which has a profound impact on electron dynamics via radiation reaction and yields tens of TW of directed MeV photons for a PW-class laser.

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  • Received 4 November 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.185003

© 2016 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Plasma Physics

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How to Make an Intense Gamma-Ray Beam

Published 6 May 2016

Computer simulations show that blasting plastic with strong laser pulses could produce gamma rays with unprecedented intensity, good for fundamental physics experiments and possibly cancer treatments.

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Authors & Affiliations

D. J. Stark1, T. Toncian2, and A. V. Arefiev1,2

  • 1Institute for Fusion Studies, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
  • 2Center for High Energy Density Science, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA

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Vol. 116, Iss. 18 — 6 May 2016

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