Two-surface wave decay: improved analytical theory and effects on electron acceleration

Abstract

Two-surface wave decay (TSWD), i.e. the parametric excitation of electron surface waves, was recently proposed as an absorption mechanism in the interaction of ultrashort, intense laser pulses with solid targets. We present an extension of the fluid theory of TSWD to a warm plasma which treats boundary effects consistently. We also present test-particle simulations showing localized enhancement of electron acceleration by TSWD fields; this effect leads to a modulation of the current density entering into the target and may seed current filamentation instabilities.

4 figures, submitted to Appl.Phys.B (special issue from HFSW X conference, Biarritz, France, Oct 12-15 2003); slightly revised text