Electron–Ion Recombination Effect on Electron Acceleration by an Intense Laser Pulse

Abstract

Electron–ion recombination effect on electron acceleration by a high-intensity laser pulse propagating through a tunnel ionizing gas is investigated in order to observe the actual electron energy gain during acceleration. An intense short-pulse laser with a Gaussian radial profile propagates through a vacuum followed by gas. The point at which the peak of the pulse interacts with the electron is the initial point of the gas region. Tunnel ionization causes defocusing of the laser pulse due to high-density plasma formation on the propagation axis. The electron experiences an additional acceleration during the trailing part of the pulse and, thus, gains net energy. In the presence of electron–ion recombination, the laser pulse focuses more, and hence, the net energy gain is affected significantly for specific parameters region. A model that self-consistently evolves the laser electron acceleration as it ionizes a neutral gas is presented. The model incorporates the electron–ion recombination effects for multiple ionization stage and for tempospatial variations in the neutral gas density appropriate for studying gas-jet system. The electron energy gain during acceleration is calculated in He gas, where the conditions are appropriate for recombination. It is found that for a given laser intensity, there is always an optimal spot size and focal position with respect to the gas jet, which minimizes the refraction and maximizes the acceleration length for higher energy gain of the electrons. The inclusion of electron–ion recombination is more realistic if the pulse duration is longer in a laser–gas-jet experiment.