The Effects of Front-Surface Target Structures on Properties of Relativistic Laser-Plasma Electrons

Abstract

We report the results of a study of the role of prescribed geometrical structures on the front of a target in determining the energy and spatial distribution of relativistic laser-plasma electrons. Our 3D PIC simulation studies apply to short-pulse, high intensity laser pulses, and indicate that a judicious choice of target front-surface geometry provides the realistic possibility of greatly enhancing the yield of high energy electrons, while simultaneously confining the emission to narrow (< 5 degree) angular cones.