Author :
Chen, C.D. ; Kemp, A.J. ; Divol, L. ; Key, M.H. ; Le Pape, S. ; McLean, H. ; Ping, Y. ; Tabak, M. ; Patel, P.K. ; Ma, T.Y. ; Bartal, T. ; Chawla, S. ; Higgmson, D.P. ; Murphy, C. ; Sawada, H. ; Wei, M.S. ; Westover, B. ; Yabuuchi, T. ; Beg, F.N. ; Link, A
Author_Institution :
Lawrence Livermore Nat. Lab., Livermore, CA, USA
Abstract :
The characteristics of relativistic electrons generated in short-pulse laser plasma interactions are important for evaluating the success of the fast ignition concept. The important parameters include the spectrum, laser to electron conversion efficiency, and divergence angle of the electrons at the interface. Simulation results using 3-D particle-in-cell (PIC) techniques in fast ignition geometries show coupling >60% into hot electrons with a characteristic slope temperature slightly greater than the ponderomotive potential of the laser. Electrons were divergent into a wide 3-4 sr cone angle.
Keywords :
plasma production by laser; plasma simulation; plasma temperature; plasma transport processes; relativistic plasmas; 3-D particle-in-cell simulation; characteristic slope temperature; divergence electron angle; fast ignition geometries; laser-to-electron conversion efficiency; relativistic electron generation characteristics; short-pulse laser plasma interaction; suprathermal electron generation; Aerospace engineering; Atomic beams; Character generation; Educational institutions; Electrons; Ignition; Laboratories; Laser modes; Plasma simulation; USA Councils;
