One-dimensional simulations of ultrashort intense laser pulses on solid-density targets

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.872173· OSTI ID:467315

Lawson, W S; Rambo, P W; Larson, D J ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551 (United States)

Presented are simulations in one dimension of laser pulses with a pre-ionized thin target. The duration of the laser pulse is between 10 and 200 fs, the laser power is between 10{sup 18} and 10{sup 22} W/cm{sup 2}, and the wavelength is 400 nm. The targets were foils of either aluminum at normal density, or in a few cases plastic (chemical formula CH) at a density of 1.1 g/cm{sup 3}, and varied from 20 to 4000 nm in thickness. The simulation results show that at these intensities the absorption mechanism for a normally incident pulse changes to a collisionless mechanism first proposed by Kruer and Estabrook [W. L. Kruer and K. Estabrook, Phys. Fluids {bold 28}, 430 (1985)]. Use of a thin target ensures that the energy imparted to the electrons will be electrostatically transferred to the ions rather than transported for large distances into the target. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 467315
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 4; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ALUMINIUM
FOILS
LASER TARGETS
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
LASER-RADIATION HEATING
MONTE CARLO METHOD
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA PRODUCTION
PLASMA SIMULATION