Ponderomotive acceleration of electrons by a short laser pulse undergoing relativistic self-focusing in a plasma is investigated. The saturation in nonlinear plasma permittivity causes periodic self-focusing of the laser. The periodicity lengths are different for different axial segments of the pulse. As a result, pulse shape is distorted. An electron initially on the laser axis and at the front of the self-focusing pulse gains energy from the pulse until it is run over by the pulse peak. By the time electron reaches the tail, if pulse begins diverging, the deceleration of the electron is slower and the electron is left with net energy gain. The electrons slightly off the laser axis see a radial ponderomotive force too. Initially, when they are accelerated by the pulse front the acceleration is strong as they are closer to the axis. When they see the tail of the pulse (after being run by the pulse), they are farther from the axis and the retardation ponderomotive force is weaker. Thus, there is net energy gain.
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December 2010
Research Article|
December 07 2010
Ponderomotive acceleration of electrons by a self focused laser pulse
Rohtash Singh;
Rohtash Singh
a)
Center for Energy Studies,
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
, New Delhi 110016, India
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A. K. Sharma
A. K. Sharma
Center for Energy Studies,
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
, New Delhi 110016, India
Search for other works by this author on:
a)
Electronic mail: [email protected].
Phys. Plasmas 17, 123109 (2010)
Article history
Received:
August 23 2010
Accepted:
November 16 2010
Citation
Rohtash Singh, A. K. Sharma; Ponderomotive acceleration of electrons by a self focused laser pulse. Phys. Plasmas 1 December 2010; 17 (12): 123109. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3524560
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