Abstract
We investigate the growth of ion density perturbations in large-amplitude linear laser wakefields via two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Growth rates and wave numbers are found to be consistent with a longitudinal strong-field modulational instability. We examine the transverse dependence of the instability for a Gaussian wakefield envelope and show that growth rates and wave numbers can be maximized off axis. On-axis growth rates are found to decrease with increasing ion mass or electron temperature. These results are in close agreement with the dispersion relation of a Langmuir wave with an energy density that is large compared to the plasma thermal energy density. The implications for wakefield accelerators, in particular multipulse schemes, are discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
