Hot Electron Transport Inhibition and Density Modification due to Electrostatic Field

Abstract

It is found that an assumed anomalous electron collision rate gives rise to a strong electrostatic field and Joule heating of the cold electrons in laser-produced plasmas. As a result of these anomalous processes, a steep density jump is created near the critical point. This phenomenon is investigated by computer simulation, the results of which qualitatively agree with a simplified theoretical model.