Electron Energy Transport into Layered Targets Irradiated by CO2-Laser Light

Abstract

Inward energy transport ranges in layered targets have been measured as a function of the irradiance of short-pulse C${\mathrm{O}}_2$-laser light. As electromagnetic ponderomotive effects become important, the penetration of thermal electrons is sharply reduced and the penetration of suprathermal electrons increases much more slowly with irradiance. These results are discussed in the context of target implosions driven by suprathermal electrons.