title: Spatial uniformity of laser-accelerated ultrahigh-current MeV electron propagation in metals and insulators.
abstract: The evolution of laser-generated MeV, MA electron beams propagating through conductors and insulators has been studied by comparing measurement and modeling of the distribution of MeV protons that are sheath accelerated by the propagated electrons. We find that electron flow through metals is uniform and can be laser imprinted, whereas propagation through insulators induces spatial disruption of the fast electrons. Agreement is found with material dependent modeling.
authors.affiliation: General Atomics, San Diego, California 92121, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Audebert
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ruhl
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gremillet
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kemp
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blazevic
authors.forename: J-C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Gauthier
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Geissel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hegelich
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karsch
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parks
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roth
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sentoku
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Campbell