The interaction of relativistic laser light with overdense plasmas is studied by three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Generation of layered current sheets and quasistatic magnetic fields is observed near the target surface owing to anisotropic laser filamentation and Weibel instabilities. Later these current sheets tear into filaments that partially merge with each other to form isolated magnetic channels penetrating into the dense plasmas. It is found that fast electron energy flow is not only inside the magnetic channels but also it is widely distributed outside the channels. This is possible because of electron anomalous diffusion across self-generated magnetic fields. Consequently, the total hot electron current exceeds a few hundred kiloamperes and is much larger than the Alfvén current. Hence a considerable amount of energy flows towards the plasma core. Significant heating of the bulk plasma electrons is also observed.

• Received 30 August 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.65.046408