Lateral electron transport in high-intensity laser-irradiated foils diagnosed by ion emission

P. McKenna, D.C. Carroll, R.J. Clarke, R.G. Evans, K.W.D. Ledingham, F. Lindau, O. Lundh, T. McCanny, D. Neely, A.P.L. Robinson, L. Robson, P.T. Simpson, C.G. Wahlstrom, Matthew Zepf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

90 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

An experimental investigation of lateral electron transport in thin metallic foil targets irradiated by ultraintense (>= 10(19) W/cm(2)) laser pulses is reported. Two-dimensional spatially resolved ion emission measurements are used to quantify electric-field generation resulting from electron transport. The measurement of large electric fields (similar to 0.1 TV/m) millimeters from the laser focus reveals that lateral energy transport continues long after the laser pulse has decayed. Numerical simulations confirm a very strong enhancement of electron density and electric field at the edges of the target.
Original languageEnglish
Article number145001
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume98
Issue number14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 04 Apr 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lateral electron transport in high-intensity laser-irradiated foils diagnosed by ion emission'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this