MODELLING OF LASER-INDUCED FAST ELECTRON GENERATION IN A COLD PLASMA

摘要

A 1-D model for fast electron generation by an intense, non-evolving laser pulse propagating through an underdense plasma has been developed. Plasma wave breaking is considered to be the dominant mechanism behind this process, and wave breaking both in front of and behind the laser pulse is discussed. Simulations have been performed to determine the wave breaking conditions for several different pulse shapes. Fast electrons emerge as a short bunch, and the electrostatic field of this bunch is shown to limit self-consistently the amount of generated fast electrons.