Gamma-ray flash in the interaction of a tightly focused single-cycle ultra-intense laser pulse with a solid target

0556990 - FZÚ 2023 RIV US eng J - Journal Article
Hadjisolomou, Prokopis - Jeong, Tae Moon - Valenta, Petr - Kolenatý, David - Versaci, Roberto - Olšovcová, Veronika - Ridgers, C.P. - Bulanov, Sergey V.
Gamma-ray flash in the interaction of a tightly focused single-cycle ultra-intense laser pulse with a solid target.
Journal of Plasma Physics. Roč. 88, č. 1 (2022), č. článku 905880104. ISSN 0022-3778. E-ISSN 1469-7807
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT EF15_003/0000449
Grant - others:OP VVV - HiFi(XE) CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/15_003/0000449
Research Infrastructure: ELI Beamlines III - 90141
Institutional support: RVO:68378271
Keywords : plasma simulation * intense particle beam
OECD category: Fluids and plasma physics (including surface physics)
Impact factor: 2.5, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Limited access
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022377821001318

We employ the λ3 regime where a near-single-cycle laser pulse is tightly focused, thus providing the highest possible intensity for the minimal energy at a certain laser power. The quantum electrodynamics processes in the course of the interaction of an ultra-intense laser with a solid target are studied via three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, revealing the generation of copious γ -photons and electron–positron pairs. A parametric study of the laser polarisation, target thickness and electron number density shows that a radially polarised laser provides the optimal regime for γ -photon generation. By varying the laser power in the range of 1 to 300 PW we find the scaling of the laser to γ -photon energy conversion efficiency. The laser-generated γ -photon interaction with a high-Z target is further studied using Monte Carlo simulations revealing further electron–positron pair generation and radioactive nuclide creation.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0331111