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Leveraging Microscience to Manipulate Laser-Plasma Interactions at Relativistic Intensities

Snyder, Joseph Clinton
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1483626346580096

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Physics.
This thesis presents experimental and computational studies of a high intensity, ultra-short pulse laser incident on a hollow, micron-scale, cylindrical structure we have termed the Micro-tube Plasma (MTP) lens. The computational studies, performed using three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, show that Fresnel diffraction and plasma guiding from the cylindrical structure lead to a redistribution of the incident laser intensity, resulting in a smaller focal spot, and as such, an increase in the laser intensity. The intensity enhancement inside the MTP lens occurs in three distinct regimes which are dictated by the pulse intensity. Crucially, as the pulse intensity becomes highly relativistic, there is a monatomic increase in the intensification factor with increasing intensity. The in-tube intensity distribution is studied to characterize the peak intensification and a method for averaging the in-tube intensity gives insight into the intensification lifetime. These complementary characterizations lead to a deeper understanding of intensification within the MTP lens. The effects of varying the dimensions of the cylindrical structure are described and this study provides optimized structure parameters for increasing the in-tube pulse intensity based on currently available laser technology. By coupling the MTP lens to a traditional flat interface, simulations indicate we can increase the peak and averaged intensity at the interface. This leads to enhancement of other phenomena, such as hole-boring ion acceleration. Additionally, the inclusion of a MTP lens enhances target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) of rear surface ions. By tailoring the MTP lens, we achieve a simulated maximum proton energy that is 3.5 times higher than the energy from a traditional flat interface. An experiment to demonstrate the feasibility of these structures was performed at the Scarlet Laser Facility at The Ohio State University. Using a 300 μm long, 5 μm inner diameter Micro-channel Plate (MCP) as a target for a 1021 Wcm-2 laser pulse, the electron energy, high energy electron yield, and electron slope temperature were greatly enhanced compared to traditional flat targets. For example, the MCP structured targets converted more than 130 times more energy to electrons above 1 MeV than an unstructured target of equivalent thickness and material. PIC simulations detail the guiding mechanism of the tube which results in a well collimated, highly energetic electron beam. Not only does this work constitute a proof-of-principle experiment for MTP structured interfaces, but it demonstrates the applicability of structured interfaces to actively manipulate and enhance the laser plasma interaction.
Douglass Schumacher (Advisor)
Bundschuh Ralf (Committee Member)
Connolly Amy (Committee Member)
Lafyatis Gregory (Committee Member)
Kerler Thomas (Committee Member)
177 p.
Physics
Laser plasma interaction; electron acceleration; ion acceleration; laser particle beams; particle-in-cell simulations

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Snyder, J. C. (2017). Leveraging Microscience to Manipulate Laser-Plasma Interactions at Relativistic Intensities [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1483626346580096

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Snyder, Joseph. Leveraging Microscience to Manipulate Laser-Plasma Interactions at Relativistic Intensities. 2017. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1483626346580096.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Snyder, Joseph. "Leveraging Microscience to Manipulate Laser-Plasma Interactions at Relativistic Intensities." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1483626346580096

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1483626346580096
316
© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.