Abstract
We report experimental evidence for a Rayleigh-Taylor-like instability driven by radiation pressure of an ultraintense (1021W/cm2) laser pulse. The instability is witnessed by the highly modulated profile of the accelerated proton beam produced when the laser irradiates a 5 nm diamondlike carbon (90% C, 10% H) target. Clear anticorrelation between bubblelike modulations of the proton beam and transmitted laser profile further demonstrate the role of the radiation pressure in modulating the foil. Measurements of the modulation wavelength, and of the acceleration from Doppler-broadening of back-reflected light, agree quantitatively with particle-in-cell simulations performed for our experimental parameters and which confirm the existence of this instability. © 2012 American Physical Society.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 225002 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 108 |
Issue number | 22 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 29 May 2012 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy