Laser-plasma Experiments Research Articles

Transition between laser absorption dominated regimes in carbon-based plasma

In this work, we investigate the energy absorption enhancement of a laser by adding a variety of light ion species to a primarily carbon-based plasma during the high-power laser interaction with the finite size targets. A developed Particle-In-Cell simulation code is used to study the reduction of laser reflectivity (stimulated backward scatterings) in both Brillouin- and Raman-dominated regimes. The simulation is performed in various Carbon-light ion plasmas such as Carbon-Hydrogen, Carbon-Helium, Carbon-Deuterium, and Carbon-Tritium. The results show that, in the optimized condition, the inclusion of light Hydrogen ions into the Carbon-based plasma up to 50%-50% mixture enhances the laser absorption exceeding 20% in the Brillouin regime due to the suppression of laser reflectivity in contract to 4% in the Raman-dominated regime. Moreover, the absorption dominated regime switches from Raman to Brillouin regime by adding 50% of Hydrogen ions to a purely carbon target. The results of this investigation will be applicable to the laser-plasma experiments so long as the laser energy absorption in the Carbon plasma target, the most readily available material in laboratory, is concerned.

Nonlinear laser–plasma interactions

Soon after lasers were invented, there was tremendous curiosity on the nonlinear phenomena which would result in their interaction with a fully ionized plasma. Apart from the basic interest, it was realized that it could be used for the achievement of nuclear fusion in the laboratory. This led us to a paper on the propagation of a laser beam into an inhomogeneous fusion plasma, where it was first demonstrated that light would go up to the critical layer (where the frequency matches the plasma frequency) and get reflected from there with a reflection coefficient of order unity. The reflection coefficient was determined by collisional effects. Since the wave was expected to slow down to near zero group speed at the reflection point, the dominant collision frequency determining the reflection coefficient was the collision frequency at the reflection point. It turned out that the absorption of light was rather small for fusion temperatures. This placed a premium on investigation of nonlinear phenomena which might contribute to the absorption and penetration of the light into high-density plasma. An early investigation showed that electron jitter with respect to ions would be responsible for the excitation of decay instabilities which convert light waves into electrostatic plasma waves and ion waves near the critical frequency. These electrostatic waves would then get absorbed into the plasma even in the collisionless case and lead to plasma heating which is nonlinear. Detailed estimates of this heating were made. Similar nonlinear processes which could lead to stimulated scattering of light in the underdense region $$(\omega >\omega _p)$$ were investigated together with a number of other workers. All these nonlinear processes need a critical threshold power for excitation. Another important process which was discovered around the same time had to do with filamentation and trapping of light when certain thresholds were exceeded. All of this work has been extensively verified in laser plasma experiments and have become the backbone of our present understanding of how lasers nonlinearly interact with fully ionized fusion plasmas. A review of this early work will be presented. We shall also present a review of our involvement in the recent work on nonlinear penetration of light into overdense plasmas with gradual and sharp interfaces.

Finding quantum effects in strong classical potentials

The long-standing challenge to describing charged particle dynamics in strong classical electromagnetic fields is how to incorporate classical radiation, classical radiation reaction and quantized photon emission into a consistent unified framework. The current, semiclassical methods to describe the dynamics of quantum particles in strong classical fields also provide the theoretical framework for fundamental questions in gravity and hadron–hadron collisions, including Hawking radiation, cosmological particle production and thermalization of particles created in heavy-ion collisions. However, as we show, these methods break down for highly relativistic particles propagating in strong fields. They must therefore be improved and adapted for the description of laser–plasma experiments that typically involve the acceleration of electrons. Theory developed from quantum electrodynamics, together with dedicated experimental efforts, offer the best controllable context to establish a robust, experimentally validated foundation for the fundamental theory of quantum effects in strong classical potentials.

Two-dimensional time-resolved ultra-high speed imaging of K-alpha emission from short-pulse-laser interactions to observe electron recirculation

Time resolved x-ray images with 7 ps resolution are recorded on relativistic short-pulse laser-plasma experiments using the dilation x-ray imager, a high-speed x-ray framing camera, sensitive to x-rays in the range of ≈1−17 keV. This capability enables a series of 2D x-ray images to be recorded at picosecond scales, which allows for the investigation of fast electron transport within the target with unprecedented temporal resolution. An increase in the Kα-emission spot size over time was found for targets thinner than the recirculation limit and is absent for thicker targets. Together with the observed polarization dependence of the spot size increase, this indicates that electron recirculation is relevant for the x-ray production in thin targets.

Langmuir wave filamentation in the kinetic regime. I. Filamentation instability of Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal modes in multidimensional Vlasov simulations

A nonlinear Langmuir wave in the kinetic regime kλD≳0.2 may have a filamentation instability, where k is the wavenumber and λD is the Debye length. The nonlinear stage of that instability develops into the filamentation of Langmuir waves which in turn leads to the saturation of the stimulated Raman scattering in laser-plasma interaction experiments. Here, we study the linear stage of the filamentation instability of the particular family (H. A. Rose and D. A. Russell, Phys. Plasmas 8, 4784 (2001)) of Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal (BGK) modes (I. B. Bernstein et al., Phys. Rev. 108, 546 (1957)) that is a bifurcation of the linear Langmuir wave. Performing direct 2 + 2D Vlasov–Poisson simulations of collisionless plasma, we find the growth rates of oblique modes of the electric field as a function of BGK's amplitude, wavenumber, and the angle of the oblique mode's wavevector relative to the BGK's wavevector. Simulation results are compared to theoretical predictions.

First measurements of betatron radiation at FLAME laser facility

The first results on betatron radiation obtained in laser-plasma acceleration experiments at the FLAME laser facility are presented. The diagnostic apparatus for the X-ray detection available at the facility is described together with the experimental setup for the generation of betatron radiation.

Backreflection diagnostics for ultra-intense laser plasma experiments based on frequency resolved optical gating.

We report on the development and implementation of a time resolved backscatter diagnostics for high power laser plasma experiments at the petawatt-class laser facility PHELIX. Pulses that are backscattered or reflected from overcritical plasmas are characterized spectrally and temporally resolved using a specially designed second harmonic generation frequency resolved optical gating system. The diagnostics meets the requirements made by typical experiments, i.e., a spectral bandwidth of more than 30nm with sub-nanometer resolution and a temporal window of 10ps with 50fs temporal resolution. The diagnostics is permanently installed at the PHELIX target area and can be used to study effects such as laser-hole boring or relativistic self-phase-modulation which are important features of laser-driven particle acceleration experiments.

High-dynamic-range cross-correlator for shot-to-shot measurement of temporal contrast

The temporal contrast of an ultrahigh-intensity laser is a crucial parameter for laser plasma experiments. We have developed a multichannel cross-correlator (MCCC) for single-shot measurements of the temporal contrast in a high-power laser system. The MCCC is based on third-order cross-correlation, and has four channels and independent optical delay lines. We have experimentally demonstrated that the MCCC system achieves a high dynamic range of ∼1012 and a large temporal window of ∼1 ns. Moreover, we were able to measure the shot-to-shot fluctuations of a short-prepulse intensity at −26 ps and long-pulse (amplified spontaneous emission, ASE) intensities at −30, −450, and −950 ps before the arrival of the main pulse at the interaction point.

Eight-channel Kirkpatrick-Baez microscope for multiframe x-ray imaging diagnostics in laser plasma experiments.

Because grazing-incidence Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) microscopes have better resolution and collection efficiency than pinhole cameras, they have been widely used for x-ray imaging diagnostics of laser inertial confinement fusion. The assembly and adjustment of a multichannel KB microscope must meet stringent requirements for image resolution and reproducible alignment. In the present study, an eight-channel KB microscope was developed for diagnostics by imaging self-emission x-rays with a framing camera at the Shenguang-II Update (SGII-Update) laser facility. A consistent object field of view is ensured in the eight channels using an assembly method based on conical reference cones, which also allow the intervals between the eight images to be tuned to couple with the microstrips of the x-ray framing camera. The eight-channel KB microscope was adjusted via real-time x-ray imaging experiments in the laboratory. This paper describes the details of the eight-channel KB microscope, its optical and multilayer design, the assembly and alignment methods, and results of imaging in the laboratory and at the SGII-Update.

Specific Adaptations of Mechanical Machining Processes for Laser Target Manufacturing

To produce the laser targets needed for laser plasma experiments, the CEA target department uses different mechanical machining techniques and develops methods that are consistent with the target requirements in terms of quality, timing, and cost.Combining these aims involves several challenges. First, laser experiments need a wide range of target geometries with common points: reduced dimensions (millimetric range) and thin walls (micrometric range), as well as very strict dimensional and geometric specifications. According to these requirements, the target specifications demand the machining of different kinds of materials from metals (aluminum, copper, and gold) to polymers and low-density foams.In this context, the versatility of the machining processes is the key issue. These challenges necessitate the development and upgrading of machining techniques and methods as well as optimizing the engineering design to use the full potential of these techniques. In this presentation, three main machining processes are developed and illustrated: adaptations of machine tools for planar targets (by the flycutting method) and for machining complex shapes (combined milling and turning), the development of the original process to produce a baffle hohlraum, and the parametric optimizations of machining tantalum aerogel.

Publisher's Note: "Talbot-Lau x-ray deflectometer electron density diagnostic for laser and pulsed power high energy density plasma experiments (invited)" [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 11D501 (2016)

Publisher's Note: "Talbot-Lau x-ray deflectometer electron density diagnostic for laser and pulsed power high energy density plasma experiments (invited)" [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 11D501 (2016)

Effective-action approach to wave propagation in scalar QED plasmas

A relativistic quantum field theory with nontrivial background fields is developed and applied to study waves in plasmas. The effective action of the electromagnetic 4-potential is calculated ab initio from the standard action of scalar QED using path integrals. The resultant effective action is gauge invariant and contains nonlocal interactions, from which gauge bosons acquire masses without breaking the local gauge symmetry. To demonstrate how the general theory can be applied, we study a cold unmagnetized plasma and a cold uniformly magnetized plasma. Using these two examples, we show that all linear waves well-known in classical plasma physics can be recovered from relativistic quantum results when taking the classical limit. In the opposite limit, classical wave dispersion relations are modified substantially. In unmagnetized plasmas, longitudinal waves propagate with nonzero group velocities even when plasmas are cold. In magnetized plasmas, anharmonically spaced Bernstein waves persist even when plasmas are cold. These waves account for cyclotron absorption features observed in spectra of X-ray pulsars. Moreover, cutoff frequencies of the two non-degenerate electromagnetic waves are redshifted by different amounts. These corrections need to be taken into account in order to correctly interpret diagnostic results in laser plasma experiments.

Plasma characterization using ultraviolet Thomson scattering from ion-acoustic and electron plasma waves (invited)

Collective Thomson scattering is a technique for measuring the plasma conditions in laser-plasma experiments. Simultaneous measurements of ion-acoustic and electron plasma-wave spectra were obtained using a 263.25-nm Thomson-scattering probe beam. A fully reflective collection system was used to record light scattered from electron plasma waves at electron densities greater than 1021 cm-3, which produced scattering peaks near 200 nm. An accurate analysis of the experimental Thomson-scattering spectra required accounting for plasma gradients, instrument sensitivity, optical effects, and background radiation. Practical techniques for including these effects when fitting Thomson-scattering spectra are presented and applied to the measured spectra to show the improvements in plasma characterization.

Talbot-Lau x-ray deflectometer electron density diagnostic for laser and pulsed power high energy density plasma experiments (invited).

Talbot-Lau X-ray deflectometry (TXD) has been developed as an electron density diagnostic for High Energy Density (HED) plasmas. The technique can deliver x-ray refraction, attenuation, elemental composition, and scatter information from a single Moiré image. An 8 keV Talbot-Lau interferometer was deployed using laser and x-pinch backlighters. Grating survival and electron density mapping were demonstrated for 25-29 J, 8-30 ps laser pulses using copper foil targets. Moiré pattern formation and grating survival were also observed using a copper x-pinch driven at 400 kA, ∼1 kA/ns. These results demonstrate the potential of TXD as an electron density diagnostic for HED plasmas.

Inverse Faraday effect driven by radiation friction

A collective, macroscopic signature to detect radiation friction in laser–plasma experiments is proposed. In the interaction of superintense circularly polarized laser pulses with high density targets, the effective dissipation due to radiative losses allows the absorption of electromagnetic angular momentum, which in turn leads to the generation of a quasistatic axial magnetic field. This peculiar ‘inverse Faraday effect’ is investigated by analytical modeling and three-dimensional simulations, showing that multi-gigagauss magnetic fields may be generated at laser intensities .

Anomalous inverse bremsstrahlung heating of laser-driven plasmas

Absorption of laser light in plasma via electron-ion collision (inverse bremsstrahlung) is known to decrease with the laser intensity as I0-3/2 or with the electron temperature as Te-3/2 where Coulomb logarithm ln Λ = 0.5ln(1 + k2min/k2max) in the expression of electron-ion collision frequency vei is assumed to be independent of ponderomotive velocity v0 = E0/ω which is unjustified. Here k-1min = vth/max(ω, ωp), and k-1max = Z/v2th are maximum and minimum cut-off distances of the colliding electron from the ion, vth = √Te is its thermal velocity, ω, ωp are laser and plasma frequency. Earlier with a total velocity v = (v20 + v2th)1/2 dependent ln Λ(v) it was reported that vei and corresponding fractional laser absorption (α) initially increases with increasing intensity, reaches a maximum value, and then fall according to the conventional I0-3/2 scaling. This anomalous increase in vei and α may be objected due to an artifact introduced in ln Λ(v) through k-1min ∝ v. Here we show similar anomalous increase of vei and α versus I0 (in the low temperature and under-dense density regime) with quantum and classical kinetic models of vei without using ln Λ, but a proper choice of the total velocity dependent inverse cut-off length kmax-1 ∝ v2 (in classical case) or kmax ∝ v (in quantum case). For a given I0 < 5 × 1014Wcm-2, vei versus Te also exhibits so far unnoticed identical anomalous increase as vei versus Io, even if the conventional kmax ∝ v2th, or kmax ∝ vth is chosen. However, for higher Te > 15 eV, anomalous growth of vei and a disappear. The total velocity dependent kmax in kinetic models, as proposed here, may explain anomalous increase of a with I0 measured in some earlier laser-plasma experiments. This work may be important to understand collisional absorption in the under-dense pre-plasma region due to low intensity pre-pulses and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) pedestal in the context of laser induced inertial confinement fusion.

Study on a compact and adaptable Thomson Spectrometer for laser-initiated 11B(p,α)8Be reactions and low-medium energy particle detection

Thomson Spectrometers are of primary importance in the discrimination of particles produced by laser-plasma interaction, according to their energy and charge-mass ratio. We describe here a detailed study on a set of Thomson Spectrometers, adaptable to different experimental situations, with the aim of being placed directly within the experimental chamber, rather than in additional extensions, in order to increase the solid angle of observation. These instruments are suitable for detection of low-medium energy particles and can be effectively employed in laser-plasma experiments of 11B(p,α)8Be fusion. They are provided with permanent magnets, have small dimensions and compact design. In these small configurations electric and magnetic fringing fields play a primary role for particle deflection, and their accurate characterization is required. It was accomplished by means of COMSOL electromagnetic solver coupled to an effective analytical model, very suitable for practical use of the spectrometers. Data from experimental measurements of the magnetic fields have been also used. We describe the application of the spectrometers to an experiment of laser-plasma interaction, coupled to Imaging Plate detectors. Data analysis for spectrum and yield of the detected radiation is discussed in detail.

Validation of modelled imaging plates sensitivity to 1-100 keV x-rays and spatial resolution characterisation for diagnostics for the "PETawatt Aquitaine Laser".

Thanks to their high dynamic range and ability to withstand electromagnetic pulse, imaging plates (IPs) are commonly used as passive detectors in laser-plasma experiments. In the framework of the development of the diagnostics for the Petawatt Aquitaine Laser facility, we present an absolute calibration and spatial resolution study of five different available types of IP (namely, MS-SR-TR-MP-ND) performed by using laser-induced K-shell X-rays emitted by a solid silver target irradiated by the laser ECLIPSE at CEntre Lasers Intenses et Applications. In addition, IP sensitivity measurements were performed with a 160 kV X-ray generator at CEA DAM DIF, where the absolute response of IP SR and TR has been calibrated to X-rays in the energy range 8-75 keV with uncertainties of about 15%. Finally, the response functions have been modeled in Monte Carlo GEANT4 simulations in order to reproduce experimental data. Simulations enable extrapolation of the IP response functions to photon energies from 1 keV to 1 GeV, of interest, e.g., for laser-driven radiography.

Development of Compton X-ray spectrometer for high energy resolution single-shot high-flux hard X-ray spectroscopy.

Hard X-ray spectroscopy is an essential diagnostics used to understand physical processes that take place in high energy density plasmas produced by intense laser-plasma interactions. A bundle of hard X-ray detectors, of which the responses have different energy thresholds, is used as a conventional single-shot spectrometer for high-flux (>10(13) photons/shot) hard X-rays. However, high energy resolution (Δhv/hv < 0.1) is not achievable with a differential energy threshold (DET) X-ray spectrometer because its energy resolution is limited by energy differences between the response thresholds. Experimental demonstration of a Compton X-ray spectrometer has already been performed for obtaining higher energy resolution than that of DET spectrometers. In this paper, we describe design details of the Compton X-ray spectrometer, especially dependence of energy resolution and absolute response on photon-electron converter design and its background reduction scheme, and also its application to the laser-plasma interaction experiment. The developed spectrometer was used for spectroscopy of bremsstrahlung X-rays generated by intense laser-plasma interactions using a 200 μm thickness SiO2 converter. The X-ray spectrum obtained with the Compton X-ray spectrometer is consistent with that obtained with a DET X-ray spectrometer, furthermore higher certainly of a spectral intensity is obtained with the Compton X-ray spectrometer than that with the DET X-ray spectrometer in the photon energy range above 5 MeV.

Simulation of laser-plasma interaction experiments with gas-filled hohlraums on the LIL facility

Laser-plasma interaction is a major issue for achieving ignition in inertial confinement fusion schemes, and still a major concern for the upcoming french laser mégajoule (LMJ) program. In order to mitigate the deleterious effects due to laser-plasma instabilities (LPI), clearly evidenced during the recent US National Ignition Campaign conducted on the National Ignition Facility, we use the LIL facility as a demonstrator for LPI studies. In this article, we focus on preliminary results regarding the propagation of a typical LMJ quadruplet through gas-filled hohlraums. Results on hohlraum energetics will then be discussed.