Modeling of clusters in a strong 248-nm laser field by a three-dimensional relativistic molecular dynamic model

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 2005 · Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.71.036411· OSTI ID:20641395

Petrov, G M; Davis, J; Velikovich, A L; Kepple, P C; Dasgupta, A; Clark, R W ^[1]; Borisov, A B; Boyer, K; Rhodes, C K ^[2]

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1. Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Ave SW, Washington, DC 20375 (United States)
2. Laboratory for X-Ray Microimaging and Bioinformatics, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607-7059 (United States)

A relativistic time-dependent three-dimensional particle simulation model has been developed to study the interaction of intense ultrashort KrF (248 nm) laser pulses with small Xe clusters. The trajectories of the electrons and ions are treated classically according to the relativistic equation of motion. The model has been applied to a different regime of ultrahigh intensities extending to 10{sup 21} W/cm{sup 2}. In particular, the behavior of the interaction with the clusters from intensities of {approx}10{sup 15} W/cm{sup 2} to intensities sufficient for a transition to the so-called 'collective oscillation model' has been explored. At peak intensities below 10{sup 20} W/cm{sup 2}, all electrons are removed from the cluster and form a plasma. It is found that the 'collective oscillation model' commences at intensities in excess of 10{sup 20} W/cm{sup 2}, the range that can be reached in stable relativistic channels. At these high intensities, the magnetic field has a profound effect on the shape and trajectory of the electron cloud. Specifically, the electrons are accelerated to relativistic velocities with energies exceeding 1 MeV in the direction of laser propagation and the magnetic field distorts the shape of the electron cloud to give the form of a pancake.

• OSTI ID: 20641395
• Journal Information: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Journal Name: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 71; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATOMIC CLUSTERS
ELECTRONS
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
IONS
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MEV RANGE 01-10
MICROSCOPY
OSCILLATIONS
PLASMA SIMULATION
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TIME DEPENDENCE
TRAJECTORIES
VELOCITY
XENON