Temporal resolution criterion for correctly simulating relativistic electron motion in a high-intensity laser field

Arefiev, Alexey; Cochran, Ginevra; Schumacher, Douglass; Robinson, A. P. L.; Chen, Guangye

doi:10.1063/1.4905523

Cited by 54 publications

(52 citation statements)

References 23 publications

(49 reference statements)

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“…The longitudinal resolution is chosen in agreement with the criterion outlined in Ref. [27] in order to correctly compute the electron energy gain. We use a laser pulse whose focal plane in the absence of plasma is located at x = 0 µm.…”

Section: Summary and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beyond the ponderomotive limit: Direct laser acceleration of relativistic electrons in sub-critical plasmas

et al. 2016

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We examine a regime in which a linearly-polarized laser pulse with relativistic intensity irradiates a subcritical plasma for much longer than the characteristic electron response time. A steady-state channel is formed in the plasma in this case with quasi-static transverse and longitudinal electric fields. These relatively weak fields significantly alter the electron dynamics. The longitudinal electric field reduces the longitudinal dephasing between the electron and the wave, leading to an enhancement of the electron energy gain from the pulse. The energy gain in this regime is ultimately limited by the superluminosity of the wave fronts induced by the plasma in the channel. The transverse electric field alters the oscillations of the transverse electron velocity, allowing it to remain anti-parallel to laser electric field and leading to a significant energy gain. The energy enhancement is accompanied by development of significant oscillations perpendicular to the plane of the driven motion, making trajectories of energetic electrons three-dimensional. Proper electron injection into the laser beam can further boost the electron energy gain.

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Section: Summary and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beyond the ponderomotive limit: Direct laser acceleration of relativistic electrons in sub-critical plasmas

et al. 2016

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“…The length and width of the domain is 200 μm × 160 μm (12 000 × 1600 cells). The longitudinal cell size satisfies the criterion formulated by Arefiev et al (2015), which ensures that the electron acceleration by the laser pulse is simulated correctly. The laser pulse propagates along the z-axis and its focal plane is located at z = 0 μm.…”

Section: Channel Formation In An Under-dense Plasmamentioning

confidence: 99%

Novel aspects of direct laser acceleration of relativistic electrons

2015

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We examine the impact of several factors on electron acceleration by a laser pulse and the resulting electron energy gain. Specifically, we consider the role played by: (1) static longitudinal electric field, (2) static transverse electric field, (3) electron injection into the laser pulse, and (4) static longitudinal magnetic field. It is shown that all of these factors lead, under certain conditions, to a considerable electron energy gain from the laser pulse. In contrast with other mechanisms such as wakefield acceleration, the static electric fields in this case do not directly transfer substantial energy to the electron. Instead, they reduce the longitudinal dephasing between the electron and the laser beam, which then allows the electron to gain extra energy from the beam. The mechanisms discussed here are relevant to experiments with under-dense gas jets, as well as to experiments with solid-density targets involving an extended pre-plasma.

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“…We choose a simulation domain spanning [-600, 200] μm in x with 64000 cells. The corresponding time-step allows us to correctly resolve the dynamics of the accelerated electrons [29]. All four sides of the domain have an open boundary condition which allow particles and fields to leave the domain freely.…”

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Generation of Superponderomotive Electrons in Multipicosecond Interactions of Kilojoule Laser Beams with Solid-Density Plasmas

et al. 2016

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Temporal resolution criterion for correctly simulating relativistic electron motion in a high-intensity laser field

Cited by 54 publications

References 23 publications

Beyond the ponderomotive limit: Direct laser acceleration of relativistic electrons in sub-critical plasmas

Beyond the ponderomotive limit: Direct laser acceleration of relativistic electrons in sub-critical plasmas

Novel aspects of direct laser acceleration of relativistic electrons

Generation of Superponderomotive Electrons in Multipicosecond Interactions of Kilojoule Laser Beams with Solid-Density Plasmas

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