Laser-plasma dynamics greatly affect the production of in-band light for lithography in EUV sources. To better tune plasma parameters for efficient EUV production and minimize the production of energetic ions, we explore using modeling in preparation for future experiments to develop and validate higher fidelity predictive capability for EUV sources.
Fast ion debris generated in laser-tin droplet interaction is known to degrade the reflectivity of the EUV collector mirror, posing a challenge to the commercial use of the EUV source. In the present work, we conduct one-dimensional fully kinetic Particle-In-Cell simulations using PSC code that is capable of capturing fast ion debris formation. We discuss the progress in the implementation of physics modules for the PSC code that is required to replicate the EUV generation process in detail. We demonstrate decent agreement between our kinetic simulations and radiation hydrodynamics simulations in terms of macroscopic plasma parameters. We also discuss the role of the kinetic effects in EUV and next-generation BEUV sources.
For current state-of-the-art terawatt lasers, the primary laser scattering mechanisms in plasma include Forward Raman Scattering (FRS), excitation of plasma waves, and the self-modulational instability (SMI). Using 2D PIC simulations, we demonstrate the dominance of the FRS in the regime with medium-to-low density plasma and non-relativistic laser fields. However, the use of multi-colored lasers with frequency detuning exceeding the plasma frequency suppresses the FRS. The laser power can then be transmitted efficiently.
Using quantum electrodynamics particle-in-cell simulations, we optimize the gamma flare (γ-flare)
generation scheme from interaction of high power petawatt-class laser pulse with tailored cryogenic
hydrogen target having extended preplasma corona. We show that it is possible to generate an
energetic flare of photons with energies in the GeV range and total flare energy being on a kilojoule
level with an efficient conversion of the laser pulse energy to γ-photons. We discuss how the target
engineering and laser pulse parameters influence the γ-flare generation efficiency. This type of
experimental setup for laser-based γ source would be feasible for the upcoming high power laser
facilities. Applications of high intensity γ ray beams are also discussed.
The paper on this research project is submitted to Physics of Plasmas and available at arXiv:1809.09594
Electron vortices appear in the wake of a finite length laser pulse propogating in the underdense plasma. Usually they form two chains of vortices with opposite signs of the magnetic fields locked inside an electron cavity. Using 2D PIC simulations, we discuss the effects of evolution of single and binary electron vortices. Single electron vortices, though being in a quasistationary state on electron timescales, evolve on ion timescales, leading to anisotropic multishell ion motion. Binary electron vortices may be subject to complex motions, which can be described by the point-vortex solutions of Hasegawa-Mima equation. When the finite radius effects come into play, we observe effects as magnetic field annihilation with the subsequent fast electron bunch generation and secondary vortex formation.
This work is dedicated to the multiparametric numerical simulations of the dynamics of electron vortices - one of the coherent structures that can form due to the interaction of high-intensity laser pulses with plasmas. Using a two-dimensional Particle-in-Cell simulations it is demonstrated that the postsoliton stage of the evolution of the electron vortex is described well by the ”snow plow” model. The dependence between the parameters of the vortex and the characteristic time of the vortex boundary disintegration is absorbed.
The stability of accleration of ions in the RPDA regime against transversal shift of the cluster target relative to gaussian and supergaussian laser pulses is considered. It is shown that the maximum energy of ions decreases while the shift increases, as the target escapes the acceleration domain. The effect of self-focusing for the supergaussian pulse profile is found and interpreted. An analytical approach based on the relativistic mirror model is developed. We also conduct PIC simulations that prove our theoretical estimations. The results obtained can be applied to the optimization of ion acceleration by the laser radiation pressure with mass-limited targets.
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