Fast decompression of ultra-thin targets for high-energy, high-contrast laser pulses

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In the laser-plasma interaction process, for ultra-high temporal contrast laser pulses, experimental measurements show that reducing the thickness of solid targets increases the laser-to-fast electrons energy conversion and the hot electron temperature. We have performed an experiment using the LULI 100 TW laser facility working in the chirped pulse amplification (CPA) mode at a wavelength λ0=1.057 μm, pulse duration 320 fs, laser spot size FWHM ∼6 μm and intensity ∼1×1018 W/cm 2 in which the laser pulses were temporal-contrast enhanced by the use of two plasma mirrors. Shots were performed on Si3N4 aluminum coated targets of thickness 30 nm to 500 nm. Spectra of the laser-accelerated electrons were recorded with a spectrometer and are compared to PIC simulations performed with the CALDER code. The simulations allow an insight into the electron heating process during the laser-matter interaction.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe 2nd International Conference on Ultra-Intense Laser Interaction Science - ULIS 2009
Pages3-6
Number of pages4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event2nd International Conference on Ultra-Intense Laser Interaction Science - ULIS 2009 - Frascati, Italy
Duration: 24 May 200929 May 2009

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1209
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference2nd International Conference on Ultra-Intense Laser Interaction Science - ULIS 2009
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityFrascati
Period24/05/0929/05/09

Keywords

  • High contrast laser
  • Hot electron generation
  • Ultrathin targets

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