Deflection of MeV electrons by self-generated magnetic fields in intense laser-solid interactions

We show that the interaction of relativistic-intensity, picosecond laser pulses with solid targets is affected by the reflected light through the strong currents and 104 T magnetic fields it produces. Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, with the axisymmetry broken by a small angle of incidence, show that these magnetic fields deflect the laser-accelerated electrons away from the incident laser axis. This directly impacts the interpretation of electron divergence and directionality in applications such as laser-driven ion acceleration or fast-ignition inertial fusion. Published by the American Physical Society.