Fast-electron-relaxation measurement for laser-solid interaction at relativistic laser intensities

Journal Article · Thu Nov 15 00:00:00 EST 2007 · Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVE.76.056402· OSTI ID:21076271

Chen, H; Shepherd, R; Chung, H K; Kemp, A; Hansen, S B; Wilks, S C; Ping, Y; Widmann, K; Fournier, K B; Beiersdorfer, P ^[1]; Dyer, G ^[2]; Faenov, A; Pikuz, T ^[3]

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1. Physics and Advanced Technologies, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, California 94550 (United States)
2. Department of Physics, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712 (United States)
3. Multicharged Ion Spectra Data Center, VNIIFTRI, Mendeleevo, Moscow oblast, 141570 (Russian Federation)

We present measurements of the fast-electron-relaxation time in short-pulse (0.5 ps) laser-solid interactions for laser intensities of 10{sup 17}, 10{sup 18}, and 10{sup 19} W/cm{sup 2}, using a picosecond time-resolved x-ray spectrometer and a time-integrated electron spectrometer. We find that the laser coupling to hot electrons increases as the laser intensity becomes relativistic, and that the thermalization of fast electrons occurs over time scales on the order of 10 ps at all laser intensities. The experimental data are analyzed using a combination of models that include K{alpha} generation, collisional coupling, and plasma expansion.

• OSTI ID: 21076271
• Journal Information: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Vol. 76, Issue 5; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.76.056402; (c) 2007 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1063-651X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ELECTRON SPECTROMETERS
ELECTRONS
LASERS
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PLASMA EXPANSION
PLASMA HEATING
PLASMA PRODUCTION
PULSES
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
RELAXATION TIME
THERMALIZATION
TIME RESOLUTION
X-RAY SPECTROMETERS