Effect of laser-induced double-step ionization of a gas on vacuum electron acceleration

The effect of laser-induced double ionization of a helium gas on electron acceleration is investigated. The optical field ionization of a gas of sufficient density can significantly change its refractive index, which makes the incident laser pulse diverge. For an enough laser intensity, the helium g...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2009-01, Vol.94 (2)
Main Authors: Gupta, Devki Nandan, Jang, Hyo Jae, Suk, Hyyong
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The effect of laser-induced double ionization of a helium gas on electron acceleration is investigated. The optical field ionization of a gas of sufficient density can significantly change its refractive index, which makes the incident laser pulse diverge. For an enough laser intensity, the helium gas can be found doubly ionized and it strengthens the divergence of the pulse. As a result, electrons feel a very low laser intensity at the trailing part of the laser pulse. Hence, there is not much electron deceleration at the trailing part of the pulse. Therefore, a significant enhancement in electron energy by the laser acceleration may be observed.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.3070529