Journal Article

FZJ-2017-04561

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Laser opacity in underdense preplasma of solid targets due to quantum electrodynamics effects

Wang, W.-M. (Corresponding author) ; Gibbon, P.FZJ* ; Sheng, Z.-M. ; Li, Y.-T. ; Zhang, J.Extern*

2017
Inst. Woodbury, NY

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/14882  doi:10.1103/PhysRevE.96.013201

Abstract: We investigate how next-generation laser pulses at 10–200 PW interact with a solid target in the presence ofa relativistically underdense preplasma produced by amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). Laser hole boringand relativistic transparency are strongly restrained due to the generation of electron-positron pairs and γ -rayphotons via quantum electrodynamics (QED) processes. A pair plasma with a density above the initial preplasmadensity is formed, counteracting the electron-free channel produced by hole boring. This pair-dominated plasmacan block laser transport and trigger an avalanchelike QED cascade, efficiently transferring the laser energyto the photons. This renders a 1-μm scale-length, underdense preplasma completely opaque to laser pulses atthis power level. The QED-induced opacity therefore sets much higher contrast requirements for such a pulsein solid-target experiments than expected by classical plasma physics. Our simulations show, for example, thatproton acceleration from the rear of a solid with a preplasma would be strongly impaired.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Jülich Supercomputing Center (JSC)

Research Program(s):

1. 511 - Computational Science and Mathematical Methods (POF3-511) (POF3-511)

Appears in the scientific report 2017

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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