Propagation of ultraintense laser pulses through overdense plasma layers

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.871526· OSTI ID:285587

Guerin, S; Mora, P; Adam, J C; Heron, A; Laval, G ^[1]

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1. Centre de Physique Theorique (UPR 14 du CNRS), Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau Cedex (France)

Due to relativistic effects, a large amplitude electromagnetic wave can propagate in a classically overdense plasma with {omega}{sup 2}{sub {ital p}}{approx_gt}{omega}{sup 2}{approx_gt}{omega}{sup 2}{sub {ital p}}/{gamma}, where {omega}{sub {ital p}} is the plasma frequency, {omega} the laser frequency, and {gamma} the relativistic factor of an electron in the laser field. Particle-in-cell simulations are used to study the interaction of an ultrahigh intensity laser pulse in normal incidence on a one-dimensional preformed plasma layer. Both electrons and ions dynamics are included. The width of the layer is 10 to 30 {mu}m and the plasma is characterized by ({omega}{sub {ital p}}/{omega}){sup 2}=1.5. During the penetration of the electromagnetic wave a large longitudinal electric field is generated. It results in a strong longitudinal heating of electrons which reach relativistic temperatures. This heating further lowers the effective plasma frequency {omega}{sub {ital p}}/{gamma} so the layer becomes almost transparent after the plasma crossing by the wave front. Velocity of the wave front, reflection and transmission rates are studied as functions of the incident energy flux, the plasma thickness, and the pulse duration. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 285587
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 3; ISSN 1070-664X; ISSN PHPAEN
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
BEAM-PLASMA SYSTEMS
DOPPLER EFFECT
HOT PLASMA
LASER RADIATION
LASER-RADIATION HEATING
PLASMA HEATING
PLASMA SIMULATION
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA