Prof Peter Norreys FInstP;

Abstract:

The interaction of ultra-intense focused laser beams with solid targets is a new field of research resulting in the production of exotic plasma conditions similar to the conditions which exist in the interior of some stellar objects. The lasers generate very high energy electrons and ions which can subsequently produce γ-rays, positrons, neutrons and pions. The results obtained from these studies have major implications to fundamental plasma physics and high energy accelerator physics as well as important technological potential for the production of compact sources of neutrons, positrons and isotopes.

Abstract:

Novel measurements of electromagnetic radiation above 10 MeV are presented for ultra intense laser pulse interactions with solids. A bright, highly directional source of y rays was observed directly behind the target. The y rays were produced by bremsstrahlung radiation from energetic electrons generated during the interaction. They were measured using the photoneutron reaction [63Cu(γ,n)62Cu] in copper. The resulting activity was measured by coincidence counting the positron annihilation γ rays which were produced from the decay of 62Cu. New measurements of the bremsstrahlung radiation at 1019 W cm-2 are also presented. © 1999 American Institute of Physics.

Abstract:

We report on shadowgraphic measurements showing the first space- and time-resolved snapshots of ultraintense laser pulse-generated fast electrons propagating through a solid target. A remarkable result is the formation of highly collimated jets (<20-μm) traveling at the velocity of light and extending up to 1 mm. This feature clearly indicates a magnetically assisted regime of electron transport, of critical interest for the fast ignitor scheme. Along with these jets, we detect a slower (≈c/2) and broader (up to 1 mm) ionization front consistent with collisional hot electron energy transport. 1999 © The American Physical Society.