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Abstract
The interaction of a 3×1019 W/cm2 laser pulse with a metallic wire has been investigated using proton radiography. The pulse is observed to drive the propagation of a highly transient field along the wire at the speed of light. Within a temporal window of 20 ps, the current driven by this field rises to its peak magnitude ∼104 A before decaying to below measurable levels. Supported by particle-in-cell simulation results and simple theoretical reasoning, the transient field measured is interpreted as a charge-neutralizing disturbance propagated away from the interaction region as a result of the permanent loss of a small fraction of the laser-accelerated hot electron population to vacuum.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 194801-1-194801-4 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 102 |
Issue number | 19 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 May 2009 |
Keywords
- electrons
- targets
- plasmas
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Dive into the research topics of 'Laser-driven ultrafast field propagation on solid surfaces'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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KEY PHYSICS FOR INERTIAL CONFINEMENT DIAGNOSED BY ION EMISSION
McKenna, P. (Principal Investigator)
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
1/10/07 → 30/09/11
Project: Research