Initial Spot Size Research Articles

Guiding properties of Bessel–Gaussian and super-Gaussian pulses in inhomogeneous parabolic plasma channels

The guidance and stable propagation of laser pulses over many Rayleigh lengths are crucial for the plasma electron acceleration in the laser wakefield accelerators. Using plasma channels with specific characteristics can lead to the proper guidance of the laser pulse. Here, quasi-three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are performed to investigate the guidance of Bessel–Gaussian pulse (BGP) of zeroth order and super-Gaussian pulse (SGP) of 3rd and 4th orders in an axially and radially inhomogeneous plasma channel. The effects of the channel radius and depth, the laser wavelength and initial spot size, and the plasma channel inhomogeneity on the guidance of the laser pulse are also examined. The results indicate that the guidance of a laser pulse in the plasma channel depends on the pulse profile, and under certain conditions, the pulses can be guided with the least variation of spot size in the inhomogeneous plasma channel. It is shown that the channel depth and the initial laser spot size are very effective in pulse guiding, as the values of these parameters increase, the pulse guidance is done better. In addition, the results show that the guidance of laser pulse is dependent on the type of plasma inhomogeneity represented by three different kinds of initial conditions, as considering the nonlinear-axial inhomogeneity in the parabolic plasma channel can lead to more convergence than the axially homogeneous and linear-axially plasma density profiles.

Multi-GeV Electron Acceleration in Wakefields Strongly Driven by Oversized Laser Spots.

Experiments were performed on laser wakefield acceleration in the highly nonlinear regime. With laser powers P<250 TW and using an initial spot size larger than the matched spot size for guiding, we were able to accelerate electrons to energies E_{max}>2.5 GeV, in fields exceeding 500 GV m^{-1}, with more than 80pC of charge at energies E>1 GeV. Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations show that using an oversized spot delays injection, avoiding beam loss as the wakefield undergoes length oscillation. This enables injected electrons to remain in the regions of highest accelerating fields and leads to a doubling of energy gain as compared to results from using half the focal length with the same laser.

Λ spin polarization in event-by-event relativistic heavy-ion collisions

We present a systematic study of $\Lambda$ hyperon's polarization observables using event-by-event (3+1)D relativistic hydrodynamics. The effects of initial hot spot size and QGP's specific shear viscosity on the polarization observables are quantified. We examine the effects of the two formulations of the thermal shear tensor on the polarization observables using the same hydrodynamic background. With event-by-event simulations, we make predictions for the Fourier coefficients of $\Lambda$'s longitudinal polarization $P^z$ with respect to the event planes of different orders of anisotropic flow. We propose new correlations among the Fourier coefficients of $P^z$ and charged hadron anisotropic flow coefficients to further test the mapping from fluid velocity gradients to hyperon's polarization. Finally, we present a system size scan with Au+Au, Ru+Ru, and O+O collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}} = 200$ GeV to study the system size dependence of polarization observables at the Relativistic Heavy-ion Collider.

Analysis of time reversal cavity characteristics based on multipath channel model

The electromagnetic wave time reversal technology using time reversal cavity (TRC) has potential applications in many areas, such as pulse compression, power synthesis, perturbation detection, beamforming, etc. Microwave chaotic cavity with multi-path transmission characteristics is usually used in TRC. Based on diffraction theory, it can prove that this kind of cavity has spatiotemporal focusing characteristics and can be used for compressing pulses, but it cannot be used to analyze the reversal performance of the cavity. In order to obtain a suitable analysis method and guide the design of TRC, in this work, the scattering, diffusion and attenuation characteristics of electromagnetic wave propagation are analyzed and a multipath channel model of TRC is built by the channel theory. Moreover, the crosstalk characteristics between paths are studied, and the generation mechanism of time sidelobe, time sidelobe shift and interference are also investigated. In addition, under the assumption of random plane wave, the distribution characteristics of spatial focal spot are analyzed, which is consistent with the diffraction theory. Moreover, the actual focal spot size is not only limited by the diffraction limit, but also related to the initial focal spot size. The theoretical analysis results are basically consistent with the experimental and numerical simulation results.

Self-compression of a high-intensity laser pulse in a double-ionizing gas

The self-compression and spatiotemporal evolution of a Gaussian laser pulse propagating in a double-ionized helium gas are investigated. The numerical model is formulated by solving the nonlinear Schrödinger equation using the paraxial like approach. The beam width parameter and pulse width parameter are estimated to investigate the laser pulse advancement in a tunnel ionizing gas. Transverse focusing and longitudinal compression are examined by characterizing the beam spot size in space and time, incorporating the gas ionization processes, relativistic mass variation, and ponderomotive effects. The results show that the inclusion of laser-induced double ionization of helium gas modifies the plasma density, which significantly affects the laser pulse evolution. For intense laser pulse, relativistic-ponderomotive nonlinearity enhances the pulse compression and consequently the self-focusing of the laser pulse. The compression mechanism and the localization of the pulse intensity both are boosted by the modified electron density via a dielectric function. At a helium gas pressure of 1.4 bar, we observed that 100 fs long laser pulse with intensity I0=8.5×1016 W/cm2 is compressed to 20 fs and the initial laser spot size 10 μm focused to 2 μm. These results promise to be a method for the generation of table-top light sources for ultrafast high-field physics and advanced optics.

Weak turbulence effects on different beams carrying orbital angular momentum.

The study of beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) has been of interest for its use in free-space optical communications (FSOC), directed energy applications, and remote sensing (RS). For FSOC and RS, it is necessary to measure the wavefront of the beam to recover transmitted or environmental information, respectively. In this computational study, common OAM beams such as the Laguerre-Gaussian (LG), Bessel-Gaussian (BG), and Bessel beams are propagated through atmospheric turbulence and compared to their Gaussian beam counterpart. The turbulence is simulated using multiple phase screens within the framework of a split-step method. Beam metrics used to quantify beam propagation will include the spatial coherence radius, OAM spectrum, on-axis intensity, spot size, divergence, and on-axis scintillation. Atmospheric turbulence along the path is limited to the weak scintillation limit, where beam parameters can be predicted analytically using the Rytov approximation. The results show that BG beams and multiplexed BG beams retain more OAM information than their LG and Bessel beam counterparts. The LG beam on-axis intensity and on-axis scintillation are seen to be independent of OAM mode. The scintillation of the LG beam is less than a BG, Bessel, and Gaussian beam across low- and high-order OAM modes. Insight into these results is discussed through studying the beam divergence, while the initial spot sizes of the Gaussian, LG, and BG beams are limited to the same spatial extent.

Intensity Distribution of the Modified Bessel-Gauss Beams

The intensity of the modified Bessel-Gauss beam (MBGB) was studied at the waist plane and along the longitudinal coordinate (z). Many factors governed the intensity distribution; the radius of the circle produced by the wavevector base at the waist plane (a), the position vector (r), the initial spot size (ω_0) and the longitudinal coordinate (z). The MBGB intensity behavior varied according to the value of a. At a=ω_0 the intensity was almost constant. At a>ω_0 the intensity increased with increasing r while at a

Limitations of paraxial approximation to model elec-tron acceleration by a laser pulse in vacuum in the presence of an axial magnetic field

We model electron acceleration using paraxial approximation (PA) and seventh order correction description (O7) of a laser field in vacuum in the presence of an axial magnetic field. The effect of initial momentum, laser intensity, spot size, and initial position of electron on optimum value of magnetic field and electron energy for linearly and circularly polarized laser pulse has been investigated. We show that PA fails to obtain correct values of optimum magnetic field and electron energy. The amplitude of oscillations of the electron increases with time in the presence of axial magnetic field and PA fails to correctly take into account focusing and defocusing of laser and obtain correct results.

Influence of backstreaming ions on spot size of 2 MeV electron beam

AbstractInfluence of backstreaming ions from the target on spot size of focused 2 MeV electron beam was considered. The 2D version of the particle-in-cell code KARAT was used to study the formation of the ions stream and dynamics of the electron beam. It was shown that light species emitted from the target can disrupt the beam. The emission of low-ionized states of tantalum cannot disrupt the beam during about 30 ns or longer. A few non-invasive techniques of mitigation of the beam disruption were considered. Final magnetic lens with fast variation of magnetic field of several hundred Ampere-turns per nanosecond is capable to stabilize initial spot size of the compressed beam at the target.

Combined influence of azimuthal and axial magnetic fields on resonant electron acceleration in plasma

Resonant enhancement in electron acceleration due to a circularly polarized laser pulse in plasma, under the combined influence of external azimuthal and axial magnetic fields, is studied. We have investigated direct electron acceleration in plasma by employing a relativistic single particle simulation. The plasma is magnetized with an azimuthal magnetic field applied in the perpendicular plane and an axial magnetic field applied along the direction of laser beam propagation. Resonance takes place between electron and electric field of the laser pulse for the optimum value of the combined magnetic field, which supports electron acceleration to higher energies, up to the betatron resonance point. The optimum value of these magnetic fields is highly sensitive to laser initial intensity and laser initial spot size. The effects of laser intensity, initial spot size, and laser pulse duration are taken into consideration in optimizing the magnetic field for efficient electron acceleration. Higher electron energy gain, of the order of GeV, is observed by employing terawatt circularly polarized laser pulses in plasma under the influence of combined magnetic field of about 10 MG.

The Influence of the Initial Spot Size of a Double Half-Gaussian Hollow Beam on Its Propagation Characteristics in a the Turbulent Atmosphere

The Influence of the Initial Spot Size of a Double Half-Gaussian Hollow Beam on Its Propagation Characteristics in a the Turbulent Atmosphere

Focusing effect of radially power-law channel on an intense laser beam

To study the focusing effect of the power-law channel, the evolution equation of the laser spot size is derived for the laser propagation in a radially power-law channel by using variational method. It is found that there exists a small critical region of the ratio of the initial laser spot size to the channel radius. Below the critical region, the laser power for constant spot size varies dramatically with the increase of the power-law exponent of the channel and so do other focusing behaviors. Quite opposite behaviors are observed above the critical region.

Analytical linear energy transfer model including secondary particles: calculations along the central axis of the proton pencil beam

In proton therapy, the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) depends on various types of parameters such as linear energy transfer (LET). An analytical model for LET calculation exists (Wilkens’ model), but secondary particles are not included in this model. In the present study, we propose a correction factor, Lsec, for Wilkens’ model in order to take into account the LET contributions of certain secondary particles. This study includes secondary protons and deuterons, since the effects of these two types of particles can be described by the same RBE-LET relationship. Lsec was evaluated by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using the GATE/GEANT4 platform and was defined by the ratio of the LETd distributions of all protons and deuterons and only primary protons. This method was applied to the innovative Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) delivery systems and Lsec was evaluated along the beam axis. This correction factor indicates the high contribution of secondary particles in the entrance region, with Lsec values higher than 1.6 for a 220 MeV clinical pencil beam. MC simulations showed the impact of pencil beam parameters, such as mean initial energy, spot size, and depth in water, on Lsec. The variation of Lsec with these different parameters was integrated in a polynomial function of the Lsec factor in order to obtain a model universally applicable to all PBS delivery systems. The validity of this correction factor applied to Wilkens’ model was verified along the beam axis of various pencil beams in comparison with MC simulations. A good agreement was obtained between the corrected analytical model and the MC calculations, with mean-LET deviations along the beam axis less than 0.05 keV μm−1. These results demonstrate the efficacy of our new correction of the existing LET model in order to take into account secondary protons and deuterons along the pencil beam axis.

Effect of axial magnetic field on axicon laser-induced electron acceleration

Radially polarized axicon Gaussian laser-induced electron acceleration has been studied under the influence of axial magnetic field. Employing an axicon is a significant method to generate a focused and diffraction free radially polarized laser beam. We have investigated direct electron acceleration in vacuum by employing a relativistic single particle simulation. It is observed that the net electron energy gain from the axicon Gaussian radially polarized laser beam can be enhanced under the influence of time varying axial magnetic field. This additional effect of the magnetic field reveals the fact that multi GeV energy gain can be achieved without the use of petawatt power lasers. Effect of laser initial intensity, initial spot size, initial phase, pulse duration and initial energy are taken into consideration for efficient electron acceleration up to GeV energies.

High-power lasers for directed-energy applications.

In this article, we review and discuss the research programs at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) on high-power lasers for directed-energy (DE) applications in the atmosphere. Physical processes affecting propagation include absorption/scattering, turbulence, and thermal blooming. The power levels needed for DE applications require combining a number of lasers. In atmospheric turbulence, there is a maximum intensity that can be placed on a target that is independent of the initial beam spot size and laser beam quality. By combining a number of kW-class fiber lasers, scientists at the NRL have successfully demonstrated high-power laser propagation in a turbulent atmosphere and wireless recharging. In the NRL experiments, four incoherently combined fiber lasers having a total power of 5 kW were propagated to a target 3.2 km away. These successful high-power experiments in a realistic atmosphere formed the basis of the Navy's Laser Weapon System. We compare the propagation characteristics of coherently and incoherently combined beams without adaptive optics. There is little difference in the energy on target between coherently and incoherently combined laser beams for multi-km propagation ranges and moderate to high levels of turbulence. Unlike incoherent combining, coherent combining places severe constraints on the individual lasers. These include the requirement of narrow power spectral linewidths in order to have long coherence times as well as polarization alignment of all the lasers. These requirements are extremely difficult for high-power lasers.

Influence of target curvature on ion acceleration in radiation pressure acceleration regime

AbstractIon acceleration from submicron thick foil target irradiated by a circularly polarized laser is studied using multidimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Convex, flat, and concave target shapes are considered. Radius of curvature of curved target is of the order of laser width in transverse direction. Accelerated ion beam of highest peak energy and least energy spread is obtained from concave target, whereas total accelerated charge is highest in convex target. It is attributed to the change in the growth of transverse instabilities and geometrical effects due to target curvature in initial stages of acceleration process. The variation in the radius of curvature of the foil depends on the ratio of initial spot size to the radius of curvature. Faster reduction in curvature is achieved for tightly focused Gaussian pulses as conjectured by the model.

Effects of spot size and spot spacing on lateral penumbra reduction when using a dynamic collimation system for spot scanning proton therapy

The purpose of this work was to investigate the reduction in lateral dose penumbra that can be achieved when using a dynamic collimation system (DCS) for spot scanning proton therapy as a function of two beam parameters: spot size and spot spacing. This is an important investigation as both values impact the achievable dose distribution and a wide range of values currently exist depending on delivery hardware. Treatment plans were created both with and without the DCS for in-air spot sizes (σair) of 3, 5, 7, and 9 mm as well as spot spacing intervals of 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm. Compared to un-collimated treatment plans, the plans created with the DCS yielded a reduction in the mean dose to normal tissue surrounding the target of 26.2–40.6% for spot sizes of 3–9 mm, respectively. Increasing the spot spacing resulted in a decrease in the time penalty associated with using the DCS that was approximately proportional to the reduction in the number of rows in the raster delivery pattern. We conclude that dose distributions achievable when using the DCS are comparable to those only attainable with much smaller initial spot sizes, suggesting that the goal of improving high dose conformity may be achieved by either utilizing a DCS or by improving beam line optics.

Propagation of supercontinuum laser sources in a slant path through the atmosphere

Taking the atmospheric refraction, extinction and turbulence into account, the propagation characteristic of supercontinuum laser sources in a slant path through the turbulent atmosphere is investigated. The effect of spectral width, initial spot size and zenith angle in a slant path on the beam width and propagation efficiency are studied in details. Numerical examples reveal that the beam width and propagation efficiency are different values while the spectral width varies. With the zenith angle in a slant atmospheric path increasing, the beam width of supercontinuum laser sources will increase and propagation efficiency will decrease. The initial spot size has an optimal value when spectral width and zenith angle are fixed.

Stable laser–plasma accelerators at low densities

We report stable laser wakefield acceleration using 17–50 TW laser pulses interacting with 4 mm-long helium gas jet. The initial laser spot size was relatively large (28 μm) and the plasma densities were 0.48–2.0 × 1019 cm−3. High-quality 100–MeV electron beams were generated at the plasma density of 7.5 × 1018 cm−3, at which the beam parameters (pointing angle, energy spectrum, charge, and divergence angle) were measured and stabilized. At higher densities, filamentation instability of the laser-plasma interaction was observed and it has led to multiple wakefield accelerated electron beams. The experimental results are supported by 2D particle-in-cell simulations. The achievement presented here is an important step toward the use of laser-driven accelerators in real applications.

Depolarization characteristics of incompletely polarized and partially coherent laser beams in slant atmospheric turbulence

Based on the cross-spectral density function of transmission theory and the unified theory of coherence and polarization, the depolarization characteristics of incompletely polarized and partially coherent laser propagation in slant atmospheric turbulence are investigated. According to extended Huygens–Fresnel principle, the analytical expressions for intensity and degree of polarization in the slant path are derived. The effects of the wavelength, the initial spot size and the transmission distance on the intensity and degree of polarization are described. The results show that a more stable distribution of the degree of polarization at the receiver is obtained with increasing wavelength for a certain receiver height. The conclusions play an important role in optical communications and target recognition.