Observation of electron transport dynamics in high intensity laser interactions using multi-energy monochromatic x-ray imaging

Abstract

We describe recent measurements in which a novel imaging technique was used to investigate the transport of high energy electrons produced by the interaction of a femtosecond laser pulse with a three-layer target at an intensity of 5 × 10 19 W cm −2 . The imaging system was configured to work in a singlephoton detection regime to identify the energy of the x-ray photons and to discriminate among Kα photons generated in each target layer. Electrons emerging from the rear side after propagation through all the target layers were also detected using a custom developed detector. The results on fast electron propagation are combined with the information obtained from electron diagnostics and are modelled using analytical and numerical codes to obtain a detailed description of electron propagation dynamics.

Generation of high pressure shocks relevant to the shock-ignition intensity regime

“…Results from X-ray PHC and Ka imager allowed us to confirm the focusing of the main beam to the expected spot diameter. By using a pin-hole camera CCD in single photon detection mode, 47,48 we obtained low resolution, large spectral range X-ray spectra, and monochromatic images. 49,50 Spectra showed clear Cu Ka lines confirming the presence of hot electrons.…”

Laser-Plasma Acceleration with FLAME and ILIL Ultraintense Lasers

“…The wealth of new results thus obtained have generated entirely new fields of research including novel X-ray and γ-ray sources and laser-driven acceleration of particles. Intense CPA pulses are also considered for the fast-ignition [2] in inertial fusion energy and for the investigation of warm dense matter physics, also through the interaction with solid targets [3,4]. These results are now providing a strong motivation for the development of new laser infrastructures like HiPER [5] and ELI [6].…”

Electron refluxing andK-shell line emission from Ti foils irradiated with subpicosecond laser pulses at 527 nm

“…[9,10] emission from laser plasmas. Some of these studies were aimed at understanding fast electron (alternatively called hot electron) propagation in solids under intense laser irradiation [11], whilst others were aimed at developing sources of x-rays for other purposes, such as absorption spectroscopy, radiography or X-ray scattering [12]. Previously published data has covered both fundamental and second harmonic laser radiation for femto-second laser systems [3].…”