Abstract
Relativistic electrons generated by the interaction of petawatt-class short laser pulses with solid targets can be used to generate bright x-rays via bremsstrahlung. The efficiency of laser energy transfer into these electrons depends on multiple parameters including the focused intensity and pre-plasma level. This paper reports experimental results from the interaction of a high intensity petawatt-class glass laser pulses with solid targets at a maximum intensity of 10 19 W cm − 2. In-situ measurements of specularly reflected light are used to provide an upper bound of laser absorption and to characterize focused laser intensity, the pre-plasma level and the generation mechanism of second harmonic light. The measured spectrum of electrons and bremsstrahlung radiation provide information about the efficiency of laser energy transfer.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 035004 |
Journal | Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 1 Dec 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Jan 2021 |
Keywords
- relativistic electrons
- petawatt-class short laser pulses
- solid target
- bremsstrahlung
- plasma