ISSN:
1090-6487
Keywords:
52.50.Jm
;
52.20.Hv
;
42.65.Jx
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract We report the first interferometric observations of the dynamics of electron-ion cavitation of relativistically self-focused intense 4 TW, 400 fs laser pulse in a He gas jet. The electron density in a channel 1 mm long and 30 μm in diameter drops by a factor of approximately 10 from the maximum value of ∼8×1019 cm−3. A high radial velocity of the plasma expansion, ∼3.8×108 cm/s, corresponding to an ion energy of about 300 keV, is observed. The total energy of fast ions is estimated to be 6% of the laser pulse energy. The high-velocity radial plasma expulsion is explained by a charge separation due to the strong ponderomotive force. This experiment demonstrates a new possibility for direct transmission of a significant portion of the energy of a laser pulse to ions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/1.567605
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