激光参数影响太赫兹辐射的数值模拟

利用2维PIC程序模拟了聚焦激光脉冲垂直入射非均匀等离子体,在界面激发超强太赫兹辐射的物理过程,研究了激光强度、脉宽和焦斑半径对太赫兹辐射功率和频率的影响,并和模式转换理论作了对比。结果表明:激光强度是影响太赫兹辐射功率的主要因素;当脉宽在等离子体波长附近时,激起的静电波振幅最大,此时对应的太赫兹辐射最强;同时存在一个最优的焦斑半径,使得辐射功率最大。

Dense pair plasma generation and its modulation dynamics in counter-propagating laser field

With two-dimensional quantum electrodynamics（QED） particle-in-cell simulations, a dense electron-positron（e^-e~＋） pair generation from laser-solid interactions is demonstrated. When the interaction of two linearly polarized laser pulses with a thin target enters into the relativistic transparency regime, a stable standing wave（SW） field can be formed by the overlap of the two counter-propagating laser pulses directly. The present study aims to clarify the effects of the S W field on the dynamics of e^-e^＋ pair plasmas. Our results indicate that under the combined effect of the SW field and radiation reaction（RR） effect, the created e^-e^＋ pairs can be trapped into the electric field nodes when the field strength is strong.The trapping effect contributes to the generation of γAV≥400 and ultra-dense pair plasmas in the two-side irradiation scheme. Despite different laser intensities, these pair plasmas have a Maxwellian spectral distribution with a peak energy of 150 MeV. Besides, the periodical modulation of the average energy, spatial, phase-space, and angular patterns of the e^-e^＋ pair plasmas can be triggered. In the angular patterns, as long as the SW field exists, pair plasmas can be pinched along the laser polarization direction. These results may offer a better understanding of the laser-solid interactions in the experiments when 10-PW laser facilities come into operation in the future.

Electron Acceleration and Bunch Generation by Intense Femtosecond Laser Pulse in Preplasma of a Target

We present analytical studies of electron acceleration in the low-density preplasma of a thin solid target byan intense femtosecond laser pulse.Electrons in the preplasma are trapped and accelerated by the ponderomotive forceas well as the wake field.Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations show that when the laser pulse is stopped by thetarget,electrons trapped in the laser pules can be extracted and move forward inertially.The energetic electron bunchin the bubble is unaffected by the reflected pulse and passes through the target with small energy spread and emittance.There is an optimal preplasma density for the generation of the monoenergetic electron bunch if a laser pulse is given.The maximum electron energy is inverse proportion to the preplasma density.

Enhanced photon emission and pair production in laser-irradiated plasmas

Enhanced photon emission and pair production due to heavy ion mass in the interaction of an ultraintense laser with overdense plasmas is explored by particle-in-cell simulation. It is found that plasmas with heavier ion mass can excite a higher and broader electrostatic field, which causes the enhancement of backward photon emission. The pair yields are then enhanced due to the increase of backwards photons colliding with the incoming laser pulse. By examining the density evolution and angle distribution of each particle species, the origin of pair yield enhancement is clarified.

Generation of polarized particle beams at relativistic laser intensities

The acceleration of polarized electrons,positrons,protons and ions in strong laser and plasma fields is a very attractive option for obtaining polarized beams in the multi-mega-electron volt range.Recently,there has been substantial progress in the understanding of the dominant mechanisms leading to high degrees of polarization,in the numerical modeling of these processes and in their experimental implementation.This review paper presents an overview on the current state of the field,and on the concepts of polarized laser–plasma accelerators and of beam polarimetry.