Self-channelling of relativistic laser pulses in large-scale underdense plasmas
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7 (Canada)
Relativistic self-focusing and channelling of intense laser pulses have been studied in underdense plasma using two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, for different laser powers and plasma densities. Analytical solutions for the stationary evacuated channels have been recovered in PIC simulations. It is shown that otherwise stable channels can accelerate electrons due to surface waves on the walls of the channels. Relativistic filaments with finite electron density are unstable to transverse modulations which lead in the nonlinear stage to the breakup of laser pulses into independent filaments. Different regimes of relativistic self-focusing and channelling, including electron heating, transverse instability, and break-up of the filaments, have been discussed and characterized using plasma density and laser power.
- OSTI ID:
- 21347201
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 17; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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