Time-Resolved Observation of Ultrahigh Intensity Laser-Produced Electron Jets Propagating through Transparent Solid Targets

L. Gremillet, F. Amiranoff, S. D. Baton, J.-C. Gauthier, M. Koenig, E. Martinolli, F. Pisani, G. Bonnaud, C. Lebourg, C. Rousseaux, C. Toupin, A. Antonicci, D. Batani, A. Bernardinello, T. Hall, D. Scott, P. Norreys, H. Bandulet, and H. Pépin
Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 5015 – Published 13 December 1999
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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 ( <20μm) 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.

  • Received 16 July 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.5015

©1999 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

L. Gremillet1, F. Amiranoff1, S. D. Baton1, J.-C. Gauthier1, M. Koenig1, E. Martinolli1, F. Pisani1, G. Bonnaud2, C. Lebourg2, C. Rousseaux2, C. Toupin2, A. Antonicci3, D. Batani3, A. Bernardinello3, T. Hall4, D. Scott4, P. Norreys5, H. Bandulet6, and H. Pépin6

  • 1Laboratoire pour l'Utilisation des Lasers Intenses, UMR7605, CNRS-CEA-Université Paris VI-Ecole polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France
  • 2Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique, 91680 Bruyères-le-Châtel, France
  • 3Dipartimento di Fisica G. Ochiolini, Universita degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca and INFM, Via Emanueli 15, 20126 Milan, Italy
  • 4Department of Physics, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
  • 5Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 OQX, United Kingdom
  • 6INRS-Énergie et Matériaux, J3X1S2 Varennes, Québec, Canada

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Vol. 83, Iss. 24 — 13 December 1999

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