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arXiv · 1205.3120

Three-dimensional simulations of laser-plasma interactions at ultrahigh intensities

F. Fiuza·R. A. Fonseca·L. O. Silva·J. Tonge·J. May·W. B. Mori
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Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are used to investigate the interaction of ultrahigh intensity lasers ($> 10^{20}$ W/cm$^{-2}$) with matter at overcritical densities. Intense laser pulses are shown to penetrate up to relativistic critical density levels and to be strongly self-focused during this process. The heat flux of the accelerated electrons is observed to have an annular structure when the laser is tightly focused, showing that a large fraction of fast electrons is accelerated at an angle. These results shed light into the multi-dimensional effects present in laser-plasma interactions of relevance to fast ignition of fusion targets and laser-driven ion acceleration in plasmas.

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F. Fiuza, R. A. Fonseca, L. O. Silva, J. Tonge, J. May, W. B. Mori. 2012-05-14. Three-dimensional simulations of laser-plasma interactions at ultrahigh intensities. https://doi.org/10.1109/tps.2011.2158327

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