Oxford Centre for High Energy Density Science (OxCHEDS)

Abstract:

We analyze recent experimental results on the increase of fast electron penetration in shock compressed plastic [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 1003 (1998)]. It is explained by a combination of stopping power and electric field effects, which appear to be important even at laser intensities as low as [Formula Presented] An important conclusion is that fast electron induced heating must be taken into account, changing the properties of the material in which the fast electrons propagate. In insulators this leads to a rapid insulator to conductor phase transition. © 2000 The American Physical Society.

Abstract:

The results of a study of the channeling of intense picosecond laser pulses by a discharge-ablated capillary waveguide are presented. The peak-energy transmission for a 10-mm-long waveguide is measured to be 65% for an input intensity of 1 × 1016 W cm-2. The importance of inverse bremsstrahlung, stimulated Raman scattering, stimulated Brillouin scattering, atomic modulation instabilities, and ionization of the discharge plasma as loss mechanisms for both intense femtosecond and picosecond pulses are considered. © 2000 Optical Society of America.

Abstract:

Presented is a novel approach for driving short-wavelength lasers, with good prospects for scaling to shorter wavelengths. Present investigations include analysis of extensions to other transitions such as the 3s → 3p and 3p → 3d hole transitions in Ni-like ions following monopole excitation of 3s and 3p holes in OFI plasmas. The results of those calculations are presented.

Abstract:

We present the results of simulations of the propagation of high-intensity laser pulses in discharge-ablated capillary waveguides. The limitations of this type of waveguide for pulse intensities of the order of 1016 W cm-2 are discussed. However, for higher intensities we describe a new regime of quasi-matched guiding, that results in significant improvements in guiding performance. The effect on quasi-matched guiding of changing the atomic numbers of the atoms that compose the plasma waveguide is discussed. Calculations are presented for boron capillaries that show quasi-matched guiding over lengths of 32 mm for an input intensity of 5 × 10 17 Wcm-2. © 2000 Optical Society of America.

Abstract:

An overview is given on the results of numerical simulations of the propagation of high-intensity pules through discharge-ablated capillary waveguides. The numerical code solves the paraxial wave equation for a plasma undergoing optical field ionization, and so accounts for refractive defocusing due to further ionization by the propagating pulse.