Abstract
The interaction of a laser pulse with a thin high-density plasma slab (foil) is proposed as a mechanism for producing laser pulses with the appropriate shape (sharp leading and/or rear edges). Such a pulse is optimum for the excitation of high-amplitude wake fields in underdense plasmas. It is shown (analytically and via particle-in-cell numerical simulations) that a phase-stable regime of unlimited particle acceleration can be realized in inhomogeneous plasmas.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 259-269 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Plasma Physics Reports |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |