Manipulation and optimization of electron transport by nanopore array targets

Abstract

The transport of sub-picosecond laser-driven fast electrons in nanopore array targets is studied. Attributed to the generation of micro-structured magnetic fields, most fast electron beams are proven to be effectively guided and restricted during the propagation. Different transport patterns of fast electrons in the targets are observed in experiments and reproduced by particle-in-cell simulations, representing two components: initially collimated low-energy electrons in the center and high-energy scattering electrons turning into surrounding annular beams. The critical energy for confined electrons is deduced theoretically. The electron guidance and confinement by the nano-structured targets offer a technological approach to manipulate and optimize the fast electron transport by properly modulating pulse parameters and target design, showing great potential in many applications including ion acceleration, microfocus x-ray sources and inertial confinement fusion.

High-efficiency water-window x-ray generation from nanowire array targets irradiated with femtosecond laser pulses

“…Thereafter, a keV-electrons-driven heat dissipation process happens and results in a larger but colder plasma. This process is quite complicated due to the existence of the magnetic fields in the plasma [35]. For simplicity, we only consider the process after the plasma's temperature drops below 𝑇 0 = 600 eV, when efficient WW x-ray emissions happen according to Fig.…”

Local wavelength evolution and Landau damping of electrostatic plasma wave driven by an ultra-relativistic electron beam in dense inhomogeneous plasma

“…Transport of high-energy electrons in dense plasma plays an important role in energy transfer between charged particles and waves in plasma. The energy exchange can lead to phenomena including amplification of waves, turbulence, seeding of magnetic fields [1][2][3][4], as well as heating of the background plasma [5][6][7][8], which are relevant to both laboratory and astrophysical systems [9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. However, many processes, such as that in the interstellar medium, are still not well understood.…”