Linear surface photoelectric effect of gold in intense laser field as a possible high-current electron source

Abstract

Investigations were conducted on radiation-induced electron emission processes on a gold target surface with a high-intensity (2 MW/cm2) KrF laser (λ=248 nm). The single photon surface photoelectric emission obtained can be used for high-current density electron sources. The measured polarization dependence of electron current shows the dominance of the surface-type effect over that of the volume type, thereby making it possible to optimize the short, high-density electron current creation conditions. The advantage of the grazing light incidence and the multiphoton photoeffect giving rise to a 500 A/cm2 electron current has been demonstrated.