Dense electron-positron plasmas and ultraintense γ rays from laser-irradiated solids.
In simulations of a 10 PW laser striking a solid, we demonstrate the possibility of producing a pure electron-positron plasma by the same processes as those thought to operate in high-energy astrophysical environments. A maximum positron density of 10(26) m(-3) can be achieved, 7 orders of magnitude greater than achieved in previous experiments. Additionally, 35% of the laser energy is converted to a burst of γ rays of intensity 10(22) W cm(-2), potentially the most intense γ-ray source available in the laboratory. This absorption results in a strong feedback between both pair and γ-ray production and classical plasma physics in the new "QED-plasma" regime.
Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, United Kingdom.
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Ridgers
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Brady
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Duclous
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Kirk
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Bennett
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Arber
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Robinson
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Bell