Theory and simulations of radiation friction induced enhancement of laser-driven longitudinal fields

We consider the generation of a quasistatic longitudinal electric field by intense laser pulses propagating in a transparent plasma with radiation friction (RF) taken into account. For both circular and linear polarization of the driving pulse we develop a 1D analytical model of the process, which i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plasma physics and controlled fusion 2018-06, Vol.60 (6), p.64005
Main Authors: Gelfer, E G, Fedotov, A M, Weber, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
charge separation
ion acceleration
laser-plasma interaction
radiation friction
radiation pressure
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Summary:We consider the generation of a quasistatic longitudinal electric field by intense laser pulses propagating in a transparent plasma with radiation friction (RF) taken into account. For both circular and linear polarization of the driving pulse we develop a 1D analytical model of the process, which is valid in a wide range of laser and plasma parameters. We define the parameter region where RF results in an essential enhancement of the longitudinal field. The amplitude and the period of the generated longitudinal wave are estimated and optimized. Our theoretical predictions are confirmed by 1D and 2D PIC simulations. We also demonstrate numerically that RF should substantially enhance the longitudinal field generated in a plasma by a 10 PW laser such as ELI Beamlines.
ISSN:0741-3335
1361-6587
DOI:10.1088/1361-6587/aabb12