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Jiang K, Huang TW, Li R, Yu MY, Zhuo HB, Wu SZ, Zhou CT, Ruan SC. Branching of High-Current Relativistic Electron Beam in Porous Materials. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 130:185001. [PMID: 37204906 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.130.185001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Propagation of high-current relativistic electron beam (REB) in plasma is relevant to many high-energy astrophysical phenomena as well as applications based on high-intensity lasers and charged-particle beams. Here, we report a new regime of beam-plasma interaction arising from REB propagation in medium with fine structures. In this regime, the REB cascades into thin branches with local density a hundred times the initial value and deposits its energy 2 orders of magnitude more efficiently than that in homogeneous plasma, where REB branching does not occur, of similar average density. Such beam branching can be attributed to successive weak scatterings of the beam electrons by the unevenly distributed magnetic fields induced by the local return currents in the skeletons of the porous medium. Results from a model for the excitation conditions and location of the first branching point with respect to the medium and beam parameters agree well with that from pore-resolved particle-in-cell simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultraintense Laser and Advanced Material Technology, Center for Advanced Material Diagnostic Technology, and College of Engineering Physics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, People's Republic of China
- College of Applied Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - T W Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultraintense Laser and Advanced Material Technology, Center for Advanced Material Diagnostic Technology, and College of Engineering Physics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, People's Republic of China
| | - R Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultraintense Laser and Advanced Material Technology, Center for Advanced Material Diagnostic Technology, and College of Engineering Physics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, People's Republic of China
| | - M Y Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultraintense Laser and Advanced Material Technology, Center for Advanced Material Diagnostic Technology, and College of Engineering Physics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, People's Republic of China
| | - H B Zhuo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultraintense Laser and Advanced Material Technology, Center for Advanced Material Diagnostic Technology, and College of Engineering Physics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, People's Republic of China
| | - S Z Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultraintense Laser and Advanced Material Technology, Center for Advanced Material Diagnostic Technology, and College of Engineering Physics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, People's Republic of China
| | - C T Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultraintense Laser and Advanced Material Technology, Center for Advanced Material Diagnostic Technology, and College of Engineering Physics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, People's Republic of China
- College of Applied Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - S C Ruan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultraintense Laser and Advanced Material Technology, Center for Advanced Material Diagnostic Technology, and College of Engineering Physics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, People's Republic of China
- College of Applied Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China
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2
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Kemp AJ, Wilks SC, Hartouni EP, Grim G. Generating keV ion distributions for nuclear reactions at near solid-density using intense short-pulse lasers. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4156. [PMID: 31519881 PMCID: PMC6744466 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of a large range of astrophysical phenomena depends on a precise knowledge of charged particle nuclear reactions that occur at very low rates, which are difficult to measure under relevant plasma conditions. Here, we describe a method for generating dense plasmas at effective ion temperatures >20 keV, sufficient to induce measurable charged particle nuclear reactions. Our approach uses ultra-intense lasers to drive micron-sized, encapsulated nanofoam targets. Energetic electrons generated in the intense laser interaction pass through the foam, inducing a rapid expansion of the foam ions; this results in a hot, near-solid density plasma. We present the laser and target conditions necessary to achieve these conditions and illustrate the system performance using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, outline potential applications and calculate expected nuclear reaction rates in the D(d,n) and 12C(p,γ) systems assuming CD, or CH aerogel foams.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Kemp
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, CA94550, USA.
| | - S C Wilks
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, CA94550, USA
| | - E P Hartouni
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, CA94550, USA
| | - G Grim
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, CA94550, USA
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3
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Zhao JR, Zhang XP, Yuan DW, Li YT, Li DZ, Rhee YJ, Zhang Z, Li F, Zhu BJ, Li YF, Han B, Liu C, Ma Y, Li YF, Tao MZ, Li MH, Guo X, Huang XG, Fu SZ, Zhu JQ, Zhao G, Chen LM, Fu CB, Zhang J. A novel laser-collider used to produce monoenergetic 13.3 MeV (7)Li (d, n) neutrons. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27363. [PMID: 27250660 PMCID: PMC4889997 DOI: 10.1038/srep27363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutron energy is directly correlated with the energy of the incident ions in experiments involving laser-driven nuclear reactions. Using high-energy incident ions reduces the energy concentration of the generated neutrons. A novel "laser-collider" method was used at the Shenguang II laser facility to produce monoenergetic neutrons via (7)Li (d, n) nuclear reactions. The specially designed K-shaped target significantly increased the numbers of incident d and Li ions at the keV level. Ultimately, 13.3 MeV neutrons were obtained. Considering the time resolution of the neutron detector, we demonstrated that the produced neutrons were monoenergetic. Interferometry and a Multi hydro-dynamics simulation confirmed the monoenergetic nature of these neutrons.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Zhao
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - X P Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas (MOE) and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - D W Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories, CAS, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Y T Li
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - D Z Li
- Institute of High Energy Physics, CAS, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Y J Rhee
- CoReLS, Institute for Basic Science, Gwangju 61005, Korea.,NDC, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 34057, Korea
| | - Z Zhang
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - F Li
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - B J Zhu
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yan F Li
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - B Han
- Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories, CAS, Beijing 100012, China
| | - C Liu
- Department of Astronomy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Y Ma
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yi F Li
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - M Z Tao
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - M H Li
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - X Guo
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - X G Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Laser Plasma, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - S Z Fu
- Shanghai Institute of Laser Plasma, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - J Q Zhu
- National Laboratory on High Power Lasers and Physics, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - G Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories, CAS, Beijing 100012, China
| | - L M Chen
- Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100190, China.,Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas (MOE) and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of IFSA, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - C B Fu
- Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas (MOE) and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - J Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas (MOE) and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of IFSA, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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4
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Chatterjee G, Singh PK, Ahmed S, Robinson APL, Lad AD, Mondal S, Narayanan V, Srivastava I, Koratkar N, Pasley J, Sood AK, Kumar GR. Macroscopic transport of mega-ampere electron currents in aligned carbon-nanotube arrays. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2012; 108:235005. [PMID: 23003966 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.108.235005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate that aligned carbon-nanotube arrays are efficient transporters of laser-generated mega-ampere electron currents over distances as large as a millimeter. A direct polarimetric measurement of the temporal and the spatial evolution of the megagauss magnetic fields (as high as 120 MG) at the target rear at an intensity of (10(18)-10(19)) W/cm2 was corroborated by the rear-side hot electron spectra. Simulations show that such high magnetic flux densities can only be generated by a very well collimated fast electron bunch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gourab Chatterjee
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Mumbai, 400005, India
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Sgattoni A, Londrillo P, Macchi A, Passoni M. Laser ion acceleration using a solid target coupled with a low-density layer. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2012; 85:036405. [PMID: 22587194 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.85.036405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We investigate by particle-in-cell simulations in two and three dimensions the laser-plasma interaction and the proton acceleration in multilayer targets where a low-density ("near-critical") layer of a few-micron thickness is added on the illuminated side of a thin, high-density layer. This target design can be obtained by depositing a "foam" layer on a thin metallic foil. The presence of the near-critical plasma strongly increases both the conversion efficiency and the energy of electrons and leads to enhanced acceleration of protons from a rear side layer via the target normal sheath acceleration mechanism. The electrons of the foam are strongly accelerated in the forward direction and propagate on the rear side of the target, building up a high electric field with a relatively flat longitudinal profile. In these conditions the maximum proton energy is up to three times higher than in the case of the bare solid target.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sgattoni
- Dipartimento di Energia, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 34/3, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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6
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Yan XQ, Wu HC, Sheng ZM, Chen JE, Meyer-Ter-Vehn J. Self-organizing GeV, nanocoulomb, collimated proton beam from laser foil interaction at 7 x 10;{21} W/cm;{2}. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2009; 103:135001. [PMID: 19905516 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.103.135001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We report on a self-organizing, quasistable regime of laser proton acceleration, producing 1 GeV nanocoulomb proton bunches from laser foil interaction at an intensity of 7 x 10;{21} W/cm;{2}. The results are obtained from 2D particle-in-cell simulations, using a circular polarized laser pulse with Gaussian transverse profile, normally incident on a planar, 500 nm thick hydrogen foil. While foil plasma driven in the wings of the driving pulse is dispersed, a stable central clump with 1-2lambda diameter is forming on the axis. The stabilization is related to laser light having passed the transparent parts of the foil in the wing region and enfolding the central clump that is still opaque. Varying laser parameters, it is shown that the results are stable within certain margins and can be obtained both for protons and heavier ions such as He;{2+}.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Q Yan
- Max-Planck-Institut fuer Quantenoptik, D-85748 Garching, Germany.
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7
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Willingale L, Nagel SR, Thomas AGR, Bellei C, Clarke RJ, Dangor AE, Heathcote R, Kaluza MC, Kamperidis C, Kneip S, Krushelnick K, Lopes N, Mangles SPD, Nazarov W, Nilson PM, Najmudin Z. Characterization of high-intensity laser propagation in the relativistic transparent regime through measurements of energetic proton beams. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2009; 102:125002. [PMID: 19392290 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.102.125002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Revised: 01/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Experiments were performed to investigate the propagation of a high intensity (I approximately 10(21) W cm(-2)) laser in foam targets with densities ranging from 0.9n(c) to 30n(c). Proton acceleration was used to diagnose the interaction. An improvement in proton beam energy and efficiency is observed for the lowest density foam (n(e)=0.9n(c)), compared to higher density foams. Simulations show that the laser beam penetrates deeper into the target due to its relativistic propagation and results in greater collimation of the ensuing hot electrons. This results in the rear surface accelerating electric field being larger, increasing the efficiency of the acceleration. Enhanced collimation of the ions is seen to be due to the self-generated azimuthal magnetic and electric fields at the rear of the target.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Willingale
- Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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8
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Yan XQ, Lin C, Sheng ZM, Guo ZY, Liu BC, Lu YR, Fang JX, Chen JE. Generating high-current monoenergetic proton beams by a circularly polarized laser pulse in the phase-stable acceleration regime. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2008; 100:135003. [PMID: 18517963 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.100.135003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A new ion acceleration method, namely, phase-stable acceleration, using circularly-polarized laser pulses is proposed. When the initial target density n(0) and thickness D satisfy a(L) approximately (n(0)/n(c))D/lambda(L) and D>l(s) with a(L), lambda(L), l(s), and n(c) the normalized laser amplitude, the laser wavelength in vacuum, the plasma skin depth, and the critical density of the incident laser pulse, respectively, a quasiequilibrium for the electrons is established by the light pressure and the space charge electrostatic field at the interacting front of the laser pulse. The ions within the skin depth of the laser pulse are synchronously accelerated and bunched by the electrostatic field, and thereby a high-intensity monoenergetic proton beam can be generated. The proton dynamics is investigated analytically and the results are verified by one- and two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Q Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, Institute of Heavy Ion Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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9
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Li YT, Xu MH, Yuan XH, Wang WM, Chen M, Zheng ZY, Sheng ZM, Yu QZ, Zhang Y, Liu F, Jin Z, Wang ZH, Wei ZY, Zhao W, Zhang J. Effect of target shape on fast electron emission in femtosecond laser-plasma interactions. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2008; 77:016406. [PMID: 18351943 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.77.016406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2007] [Revised: 11/06/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Fast electron emission from the interaction of femtosecond laser pulses with shaped solid targets has been studied. It is found that the angular distributions of the forward fast electrons are highly dependent upon the target shapes. The important roles played by the electrostatic fields built up at the non-laser-irradiated target surfaces and the collisions in the target are identified. Our two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations with binary collisions included reproduce the main experimental observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y T Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
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10
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Lei AL, Tanaka KA, Kodama R, Kumar GR, Nagai K, Norimatsu T, Yabuuchi T, Mima K. Optimum hot electron production with low-density foams for laser fusion by fast ignition. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2006; 96:255006. [PMID: 16907316 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.96.255006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
We propose a foam cone-in-shell target design aiming at optimum hot electron production for the fast ignition. A thin low-density foam is proposed to cover the inner tip of a gold cone inserted in a fuel shell. An intense laser is then focused on the foam to generate hot electrons for the fast ignition. Element experiments demonstrate increased laser energy coupling efficiency into hot electrons without increasing the electron temperature and beam divergence with foam coated targets in comparison with solid targets. This may enhance the laser energy deposition in the compressed fuel plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Lei
- Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University, 2-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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