Laser plasma electrons

The results are given of an experimental investigation of the electron component of a laser plasma carried out using the time-of-flight collector method at large distances from the target. Extensive data are presented on the angular and energy spectra of the electrons in flight and on the dynamics of formation of electron spectra when the laser flux density is increased in the range approx.10$sup 9$--5times10$sup 11$ W/cm$sup 2$. A comparative analysis of the characteristics of the flight of electrons and ions in an expanding plasma is used to review the influence of the components on the expansion of a plasma bunch in a vacuum. The results obtained are essential in investigations of the formation of sharply focused beams of multiply charged ions for injection into accelerators and they should be useful in the determination of the fuller physical picture of the laser plasma expansion.