Gamma-ray emission weakens radiation-pressure acceleration

What is it about?

Interaction of extremely intense laser pulses with plasmas can be accompanied by copious gamma-ray emission. Here we present 3D PIC simulation results and theoretical analysis which demonstrate the mutual influence of gamma-ray emission and ion acceleration during relativistic hole boring in high-density plasmas with ultra-intense laser pulses.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Radiation pressure acceleration of ions (e.g., hole boring) has been proposed for fast ignition schemes. We study how radiation losses (gamma-ray emission) will affect ion acceleration if extremely powerful lasers of the nearest future are used.