Focusing of relativistic electrons in dense plasma using a resistivity-gradient-generated magnetic switchyard

A method for producing a self-generated magnetic focussing structure for a beam of laser-generated relativistic electrons using a complex array of resistivity gradients is proposed and demonstrated using numerical simulations. The array of resistivity gradients is created by using a target consistin...

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Veröffentlicht in:Physical review letters 2012-03, Vol.108 (12), p.125004-125004, Article 125004
Hauptverfasser: Robinson, A P L, Key, M H, Tabak, M
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
Online-Zugang:Volltext
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Zusammenfassung:A method for producing a self-generated magnetic focussing structure for a beam of laser-generated relativistic electrons using a complex array of resistivity gradients is proposed and demonstrated using numerical simulations. The array of resistivity gradients is created by using a target consisting of alternating layers of different Z material. This new scheme is capable of effectively focussing the fast electrons even when the source is highly divergent. The application of this technique to cone-guided fast ignition inertial confinement fusion is considered, and it is shown that it may be possible to deposit over 25% of the fast electron energy into a hot spot even when the fast electron divergence angle is very large (e.g., 70° half-angle).
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.108.125004