High-intensity Laser-plasma Interactions Research Articles

SPRAY: A smoothed particle radiation hydrodynamics code for modeling high intensity laser-plasma interactions

Here we report the development of SPRAY, a massively parallel GPU accelerated, smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)-based, radiation hydrodynamics (RHD) code designed specifically for simulating high intensity laser-plasma interactions. When a target is irradiated by an intense laser, highly complex fluid deformation occurs due to instabilities, which is challenging to study numerically. SPRAY is particle-based, mesh-free, and Lagrangian, which addresses numerical issues that posed difficulties to existing methods. Its SPH formulations for RHD governing equations are tailored toward accurate and reliable simulations of laser-target irradiation phenomena, and are solved via a time-dependent, flux-limited diffusion method. A new laser energy coupling module, which is based on the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation, is implemented with a totally mesh-free ray-tracing scheme that is applicable for arbitrary geometry and dimensions. The accuracy and reliability of the code are demonstrated with a series of benchmark problems. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to employ SPH method for simulations of laser-plasma interactions in high energy density physics research. Possible expansions to the code, such as laser beam-beam interaction modeling and more sophisticated multi-group radiation transport are left for future development.

High field suppression of bremsstrahlung emission in high-intensity laser–plasma interactions

The interaction of high-intensity lasers with plasma is predicted to produce extreme quasi-static magnetic fields with magnitudes approaching Megatesla levels. In relativistically transparent plasmas, these fields can enhance direct laser acceleration and allow efficient gamma-ray emission by accelerated electrons. However, due to the so-called magnetic suppression effect, the magnetic field can also affect radiating electron trajectories and, thus, reduce the emission probability of the bremsstrahlung. This is the first study to examine the bremsstrahlung suppression mechanism in the context of high-intensity laser–plasma interactions. Our paper describes a new module that integrates the suppression effect into the standard bremsstrahlung module of the EPOCH particle-in-cell code by considering the impact of magnetic fields and extending the analysis to electric fields. We also investigate this suppressing mechanism's effect on the emitting electron's dynamics. Our findings show that this mechanism not only suppresses low-energy emissions but also has an impact on the dynamics of the radiating electrons.

Real time reconstruction of the fast electron spectrum from high intensity laser plasma interaction using gamma counting technique

X-ray and gamma fluxes from the high intensity laser-plasma interaction are extremely short, well beyond temporal resolution of any detectors. If laser pulses come repetitively, the single photon counting technique allows to accumulate the photon spectra, however, its relation to the spectrum of the initial fast electron population in plasma is not straightforward. We present efficient and fast approach based on the Geant4 package that significantly reduces computer time needed to re-construct the high energy tail of electron spectrum from experimental data accounting for the pileup effect. Here, we first tabulate gamma spectrum from monoenergetic electron bunches of different energy for a given experimental setup, and then compose the simulated spectrum. To account for the pileups, we derive analytical formula to reverse the data. We also consider errors coming from the approximation of the initial electron spectrum by the sum of monoenergetic impacts, the finite range of the electron spectrum, etc. and give estimates on how to choose modelling parameters to minimize the approximation errors. Finally, we present an example of the experimental data treatment for the case of laser-solid interaction using 50 fs laser pulse with intensity above 1018 W/cm2.

Editorial: Wakefield generation and particle acceleration in high-intensity laser plasma and beam-plasma interactions

The plasma based particle acceleration mechanism has been recognized as one of the most promising alternative acceleration schemes over the past many years. In particular, the laser wakefield acceleration scheme (that uses the wave electric field, whose strength is associated with the plasma density) and the direct laser acceleration scheme (which relies on the laser field intensity for energy transfer inside the plasma), as well as particle acceleration by beam-plasma interactions have been hot topics in recent times owing to their potential applications in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas. Furthermore, depending on the laser pulse size compared to the typical plasma skin depth, both the wakefield generation and soliton formation can be possible in plasmas. This Research Topic aims to present some recent developments on the particle acceleration mechanism as well as the propagation characteristics of AH edited the manuscript and approved it for publication.

Algorithm for computing the electron-positron yield from the linear Breit-Wheeler process in high-intensity laser-plasma interactions

High-intensity laser-plasma interactions have been shown to generate dense populations of gamma-rays, so these interactions are expected to generate electron-positron pairs via binary photon collisions (linear Breit-Wheeler process). However, particle-in-cell (PIC) codes that are used for studies of laser plasma interactions are not yet equipped to compute the yield from the linear Breit-Wheeler process. We present a post-processing algorithm that allows one to quickly calculate the yield of the linear Breit-Wheeler process inside a photon-emitting plasma using PIC simulation data. The algorithm splits the PIC computational domain into smaller sub-domains whose shape and size are determined based on a specific problem. The photons emitted within each sub-domain are grouped into collimated mono-energetic beams called beamlets. The algorithm computes the yield by evaluating beamlet-beamlet collisions without the spatial integration over the interaction region. Presented benchmarking shows that the computational time is reduced by two orders of magnitude compared to the direct approach that involves the spatial integration, while the resulting error in the total yield remains around 10%. We also show how the algorithm can be leveraged to compute the density of the pair-producing events and the positron momentum distribution at the time of their creation. The ability of our algorithm to quickly compute the pair yield makes it a useful tool for studies of high-intensity laser-plasma interactions. It can also be useful for testing future implementations of the linear Breit-Wheeler process into plasma simulation codes.

A nonlinear wave-based model to study the magnetic turbulence generation associated with the nonlinear evolution of Kinetic Alfven Wave in laser-produced plasma relevant to laboratory and astrophysical plasmas

A nonlinear wave-based model is introduced to understand the behaviour of the ion-scaled magnetic turbulence in the laser-produced plasmas generated during the high-intensity laser-plasma interaction. The coupled model equations are developed for the pump Kinetic Alfven Wave and the low-frequency Magnetosonic Wave by taking into account the ponderomotive nonlinearity. Numerical simulation is performed using the pseudo-spectral and the finite difference method to solve the model equations. The simulation results illustrate the nonlinear evolution of the pump wave at the early stage, which subsequently becomes turbulent. From the simulation results, the time-averaged turbulent power spectrum has been studied. The observed MHD type and KAW type plasma turbulence in different spatial scale lengths are nearly close to the magnetic turbulence reported in Chatterjee et al.12 experimental results. A semi-analytical method is also given to better understand the nonlinear evolution of the pump wave inside the plasma medium. Such studies of nonlinear wave-based models could be crucial in imitating the astrophysical phenomena by laboratory simulations and understanding the inherent essential physics of magnetic turbulence.

Formation and evolution of post-solitons following a high intensity laser-plasma interaction with a low-density foam target

The formation and evolution of post-solitons has been discussed for quite some time both analytically and through the use of particle-in-cell (PIC) codes. It is however only recently that they have been directly observed in laser-plasma experiments. Relativistic electromagnetic (EM) solitons are localised structures that can occur in collisionless plasmas. They consist of a low-frequency EM wave trapped in a low electron number-density cavity surrounded by a shell with a higher electron number-density. Here we describe the results of an experiment in which a 100 TW Ti:sapphire laser (30 fs, 800 nm) irradiates a TMPTA foam target with a focused intensity . A third harmonic ( nm) probe is employed to diagnose plasma motion for 25 ps after the main pulse interaction via Doppler-Spectroscopy. Both radiation-hydrodynamics and 2D PIC simulations are performed to aid in the interpretation of the experimental results. We show that the rapid motion of the probe critical-surface observed in the experiment might be a signature of post-soliton wall motion.

Relativistic cavity, possibilities, and advantages

AbstractThe relativistic mirror (RM) is an interesting subject which introduced in the nonlinear regime of the laser–plasma interaction. Reflection of counter-propagating probe pulse from relativistic flying mirror has some excellent features, such as frequency up-shifting and compressing by a factor of 4γ2. In the high-intensity laser–plasma interaction, sometimes a sequence of RMs creates. For example, electron density cusps generate in the nonlinear laser wakefield generation or flying electron sheaths create in the blown-out regime of the laser foil interaction. Under these circumstances, the second counter-propagated seed (probe) pulse can be reflected back and forth between two or more successive RMs. This structure may be used as a relativistic cavity (RECA). Amplification and threshold conditions for the gain medium and pumping rate in the RECA are obtained, and it is shown that amplification can be started from background simultaneous emission (without seed pulse). A new feature of RECA is it's bidirectional (two frequencies) characteristic. Thereupon, the gain process can be implemented on the two different transitions in this bidirectional gain structure. In the RECA, driver pulse may be assembled as a pumping operation, and background plasma medium with high degree ionized substances is a good candidate for gain medium in the UV or X-ray regions. In this paper, we propose a new all-optical cavity for the generation of the ultrashort laser pulse in the UV or X-ray regions.

Crossed beam energy transfer between optically smoothed laser beams in inhomogeneous plasmas.

Crossed beam energy transfer, CBET, in high-intensity laser–plasma interaction is investigated for the case of optically smoothed laser beams. In the two approaches to laser-driven inertial confinement fusion experiments, the direct-drive and the indirect-drive, CBET is of great importance because it governs the coupling of laser energy to the plasma. We use the two-dimensional wave-coupling code Harmony to simulate the transfer between two laser beams with speckle structure that overlap in a plasma with an inhomogeneous flow profile. We compare the CBET dynamics for laser beams with spatial incoherence and with spatio-temporal incoherence; in particular we apply the smoothing techniques using random phase plates (RPPs) and smoothing by spectral dispersion (SSD), respectively. It is found that for laser beams (wavelength λ0) with intensities (IL) above IL ∼ 2 × 1015 W cm−2(λ0/0.35 µm)−2(Te/keV), both the so-called plasma-induced smoothing as well as self-focusing in intense laser speckles induce temporal incoherence; the latter affects the CBET and the angular distribution of the light transmitted behind the zone of beam overlap. For RPP-smoothed incident beams, the resulting band width of the transmitted light can already be of the same order as the effective band width of the SSD available at major laser facilities. We examine the conditions when spatio-temporal smoothing techniques become efficient for CBET.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Prospects for high gain inertial fusion energy (part 1)’.

Hydrodynamic motion of guiding elements within a magnetic switchyard in fast ignition conditions

Magnetic collimation via resistivity gradients is an innovative approach to electron beam control for the cone-guided fast ignition variant of inertial confinement fusion. This technique uses a resistivity gradient induced magnetic field to collimate the electron beam produced by the high-intensity laser–plasma interaction within a cone-guided fast ignition cone-tip. A variant of the resistive guiding approach, known as the “magnetic switchyard,” has been proposed which uses shaped guiding elements to direct the electrons toward the compressed fuel. Here, the 1D radiation-hydrodynamics code HYADES is used to investigate and quantify the gross hydrodynamic motion of these magnetic switchyard guiding elements in conditions relevant to their use in fast ignition. Movement of the layers was assessed for a range of two-layer material combinations. Based upon the results of the simulations, a scaling law is found that enables the relative extent of hydrodynamic motion to be predicted based upon the material properties of the switchyard, thereby enabling optimization of material-combination choice on the basis of reducing hydrodynamic motion. A multi-layered configuration, more representative of an actual switchyard, was also simulated in which an outer Au layer is employed to tamp the motion of the outermost guiding element of the switchyard.

Employing machine learning for theory validation and identification of experimental conditions in laser-plasma physics

The validation of a theory is commonly based on appealing to clearly distinguishable and describable features in properly reduced experimental data, while the use of ab-initio simulation for interpreting experimental data typically requires complete knowledge about initial conditions and parameters. We here apply the methodology of using machine learning for overcoming these natural limitations. We outline some basic universal ideas and show how we can use them to resolve long-standing theoretical and experimental difficulties in the problem of high-intensity laser-plasma interactions. In particular we show how an artificial neural network can “read” features imprinted in laser-plasma harmonic spectra that are currently analysed with spectral interferometry.

Burst behavior due to the quasimode excited by stimulated Brillouin scattering in high-intensity laser–plasma interactions

The strong-coupling mode, called the “quasimode”, is excited by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in high-intensity laser–plasma interactions. Also SBS of the quasimode competes with SBS of the fast mode (or slow mode) in multi-ion species plasmas, thus leading to a low-frequency burst behavior of SBS reflectivity. Competition between the quasimode and the ion-acoustic wave (IAW) is an important saturation mechanism of SBS in high-intensity laser–plasma interactions. These results give a clear explanation of the low-frequency periodic burst behavior of SBS and should be considered as a saturation mechanism of SBS in high-intensity laser–plasma interactions.

High-repetition-rate ( kHz) targets and optics from liquid microjets for high-intensity laser–plasma interactions

High-intensity laser–plasma interactions produce a wide array of energetic particles and beams with promising applications. Unfortunately, the high repetition rate and high average power requirements for many applications are not satisfied by the lasers, optics, targets, and diagnostics currently employed. Here, we aim to address the need for high-repetition-rate targets and optics through the use of liquids. A novel nozzle assembly is used to generate high-velocity, laminar-flowing liquid microjets which are compatible with a low-vacuum environment, generate little to no debris, and exhibit precise positional and dimensional tolerances. Jets, droplets, submicron-thick sheets, and other exotic configurations are characterized with pump–probe shadowgraphy to evaluate their use as targets. To demonstrate a high-repetition-rate, consumable, liquid optical element, we present a plasma mirror created by a submicron-thick liquid sheet. This plasma mirror provides etalon-like anti-reflection properties in the low field of 0.1% and high reflectivity as a plasma, 69%, at a repetition rate of 1 kHz. Practical considerations of fluid compatibility, in-vacuum operation, and estimates of maximum repetition rate are addressed. The targets and optics presented here demonstrate a potential technique for enabling the operation of laser–plasma interactions at high repetition rates.

Harnessing the relativistic Buneman instability for laser-ion acceleration in the transparency regime

We examine the relativistic Buneman instability in systems relevant to high-intensity laser-plasma interactions under conditions of relativistically-induced transparency, as this instability can generate large-amplitude electrostatic waves at low frequencies that are pertinent to ion dynamics in these systems. Ion flows are shown to significantly alter the range of unstable wave numbers and to increase the phase velocities of the unstable modes; we particularly highlight the relativistic effects from both the ion and electron (with transverse motion) populations. These findings are related to the mode structure seen in particle-in-cell simulation results of a short-pulse laser breaking through an initially opaque target with the onset of relativistic transparency. Additionally, driving mechanisms from free energy present in density and velocity gradients are shown to be capable of significantly enhancing the growth rates, and these instabilities furthermore extend the breadth of the unstable wave number range. Lastly, we discuss how the transverse self-generated magnetic fields characteristic of short-pulse interactions can potentially constrain the unstable wave numbers in a non-trivial manner.

Observation of non-symmetric side-scattering during high-intensity laser-plasma interactions

Non-symmetric side-scattering has been observed during the interaction between a high-intensity laser pulse and under-dense argon plasma. The angle between the laser’s forward direction and the scattered radiation is found to decrease for increasing electron densities ranging from 0.01 to 0.25nc, where nc is the critical density for the laser wavelength. We show that the observed features of the scattering cannot be described by Raman side-scattering but can be explained to be a consequence of the non-uniform density distribution of the plasma with the scattering angle being oriented along the direction of the resulting electron density gradient.

Experimental platform for investigations of high-intensity laser plasma interactions in the magnetic field of a pulsed power generator.

An experimental platform for the studying of high-intensity laser plasma interactions in strong magnetic fields has been developed based on the 1 MA Zebra pulsed power generator coupled with the 50-TW Leopard laser. The Zebra generator produces 100-300 T longitudinal and transverse magnetic fields with different types of loads. The Leopard laser creates plasma at an intensity of 1019 W/cm2 in the magnetic field of coil loads. Focusing and targeting systems are integrated in the vacuum chamber of the pulsed power generator and protected from the plasma debris and strong mechanical shock. The first experiments with plasma at laser intensity >2 × 1018 W/cm2 demonstrated collimation of the laser produced plasma in the axial magnetic field strength >100 T.

A transportable Paul-trap for levitation and accurate positioning of micron-scale particles in vacuum for laser-plasma experiments.

We report on a Paul-trap system with large access angles that allows positioning of fully isolated micrometer-scale particles with micrometer precision as targets in high-intensity laser-plasma interactions. This paper summarizes theoretical and experimental concepts of the apparatus as well as supporting measurements that were performed for the trapping process of single particles.

Theory of relativistic radiation reflection from plasmas

We consider the reflection of relativistically strong radiation from plasma and identify the physical origin of the electrons' tendency to form a thin sheet, which maintains its localisation throughout its motion. Thereby, we justify the principle of relativistic electronic spring (RES) proposed in [Gonoskov et al., Phys. Rev. E 84, 046403 (2011)]. Using the RES principle, we derive a closed set of differential equations that describe the reflection of radiation with arbitrary variation of polarization and intensity from plasma with an arbitrary density profile for an arbitrary angle of incidence. We confirm with ab initio PIC simulations that the developed theory accurately describes laser-plasma interactions in the regime where the reflection of relativistically strong radiation is accompanied by significant, repeated relocation of plasma electrons. In particular, the theory can be applied for the studies of plasma heating and coherent and incoherent emissions in the RES regime of high-intensity laser-plasma interaction.

Stochastic behavior of electrons in high intensity laser–plasma interaction

The stochastic behavior of electrons during the interaction of an intense short laser pulse with under-dense plasma is investigated by employing a fully kinetic 1D-3V particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. The development of chaos in the involved nonlinear regime and in the presence of plasma space charge is examined. Though the electron Lagrangian is extremely complicated in this case, our analyses suggest some potential ways for chaos development. In this regard, our simulation results show that chaotic motion can develop in three different ways. When the space charge field is weak, the scattered fields can provide the necessary condition for chaos to occur. When a strong space charge field is presented, the creation of chaos is initiated by wave breaking. The third procedure for creating chaos originates from the inhomogeneity of the density on the vacuum–plasma surface. In this case, a new electrostatic mode without any phase relation with the space charge electrostatic mode is generated.

Anti-Stokes scattering and Stokes scattering of stimulated Brillouin scattering cascade in high-intensity laser–plasma interaction

Anti-Stokes scattering and Stokes scattering in stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) cascades have been researched using the Vlasov–Maxwell simulation. In high-intensity laser–plasma interactions, stimulated anti-Stokes Brillouin scattering (SABS) will occur after second stage SBS rescattering. The mechanism of SABS has been put forward to explain this phenomenon. In the early phase of SBS evolution, only first stage SBS appears and total SBS reflectivity comes from first stage SBS. However, when high-stage SBS and SABS occur, SBS reflectivity will display burst behavior and the total reflectivity comes from the SBS cascade and SABS superimposition. The SABS will compete with the SBS rescattering to determine the total SBS reflectivity. Thus, SBS rescattering including SABS is an important saturation mechanism of SBS and should be taken into account in high-intensity laser–plasma interaction.