The evolution of two-dimensional effects in fast-electron transport from high-intensity laser-plasma interactions

Abstract

Measurements of local and remote energy deposition by fast electrons have been made in 1.3 mu m and 1.05 mu m laser irradiation experiments with plane targets and various pulse lengths. From optical and X-ray streak photography and spatially resolved K alpha yield measurements it is found that up to 30% of the absorbed laser energy spreads laterally to distances of several millimetres from the focal spot with a spreading velocity in excess of 10 8 cm s -1 .