Generation of energetic electrons and ions by interaction of relativistic laser pulses with a supercritical plasma

Abstract

Generation of hot electrons and fast ions under the action of a relativistic femtosecond laser pulse propagating through a supercritical-density plasma is studied in terms of the kinetic theory by constructing propagators for plasma particle distribution functions. Calculations are carried out for different laser pulse intensities, different sorts of multicharged ions, and different degrees of plasma inhomogeneity. Mechanisms of electron and ion acceleration in the plasma are explored.