Nonlocal Energy Deposition in High-Intensity Laser-Plasma Interactions

Abstract

Electrons heated by the absorption of laser energy on planar targets generate megagauss magnetic field which, together with the coproduced electric fields, transport the electrons away from the laser spot. We present a computational model showing that these superthermal electrons deposit their energy into plasma thermal energy in an expanding annular region in the target plane centered at the spot. The model provides a quantitative explanation for some complex and heretofore poorly understood lateral transport phenomenology.