Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of laser channeling in fast ignition

Journal Article · Fri Apr 15 00:00:00 EDT 2011 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3574899· OSTI ID:21537651

Li, G; Yan, R ^[1]; Ren, C ^[1]; Tonge, J ^[2]; Mori, W B ^[2]

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1. Department of Mechanical Engineering and Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627 (United States)
2. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095 (United States)

Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations with an underdense plasma length up to 540 {mu}m are presented to show that laser channeling in 3D is qualitatively similar to that shown in previous 2D simulations [Li et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 125002 (2008)], but quantitative differences exist. Due to a larger laser ponderomotive force resulting from self-focusing and easier channel formation in 3D, the channeling speed in 3D is larger compared to 2D. Laser hosing and channel bending are also observed in 3D. Decoupling of the laser and plasma is observed when the electrons are heated to relativistic temperatures during the channeling process.

• OSTI ID: 21537651
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 18, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3574899; (c) 2011 American Institute of Physics; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CHANNELING
DECOUPLING
ELECTRONS
IGNITION
LASERS
PLASMA SIMULATION
PONDEROMOTIVE FORCE
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
LEPTONS
PLASMA
SIMULATION