Modelling the effects of the radiation reaction force on the interaction of thin foils with ultra-intense laser fields

Duff, M J and Capdessus, R and Del Sorbo, D and Ridgers, C P and King, M and McKenna, P (2018) Modelling the effects of the radiation reaction force on the interaction of thin foils with ultra-intense laser fields. Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, 60 (6). pp. 1-12. 064006. ISSN 0741-3335 (https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6587/aab97d)

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Abstract

The effects of the radiation reaction (RR) force on thin foils undergoing radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) are investigated. Using QED-particle-in-cell simulations, the infuence of the RR force on the collective electron dynamics within the target can be examined. The magnitude of the RR force is found to be strongly dependent on the target thickness, leading to effects which can be observed on a macroscopic scale, such as changes to the distribution of the emitted radiation and the target dynamics. This suggests that such parameters may be controlled in experiments at multi-PW laser facilities. In addition, the effects of the RR force are characterized in terms of an average radiation emission angle. We present an analytical model which, for the first time, describes the effect of the RR force on the collective electron dynamics within the `light-sail' regime of RPA. The predictions of this model can be tested in future experiments with ultra-high intensity lasers interacting with solid targets.

ORCID iDs

Duff, M J ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0745-0157, Capdessus, R ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3403-6023, Del Sorbo, D, Ridgers, C P, King, M ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3370-6141 and McKenna, P ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8061-7091;
  • Item type:Article
    ID code:63548
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    20 April 2018
    Published
    23 March 2018
    Accepted
    27 October 2017
    Submitted
    Notes:This is an author-created, un-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion. IOP Publishing Ltd is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from it. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd M J Duff et al 2018 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 60 064006, DOI 10.1088/1361-6587/aab97d
    Subjects:Science > Physics > Plasma physics. Ionized gases
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:28 Mar 2018 11:09
    Last modified:11 Nov 2024 11:57
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/63548
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