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 ( ) 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 ( ) and broader (up to 1 mm) ionization front consistent with collisional hot electron energy transport.
- Received 16 July 1999
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.5015
©1999 American Physical Society