Electron acceleration by intense short laser pulse in the preplasma of a target

Abstract

Electron acceleration in the low-density preplasma of a thin solid target by a short intense laser pulse is investigated by particle-in-cell simulation. Electrons in the preplasma are trapped and accelerated by the laser ponderomotive force as well as the wake bubble field. When the laser pulse is stopped and reflected by the target, the trapped electrons continue to move forward inertially, passing through the target with small energy spread and emittance. The use of the present scheme in practical applications is discussed.