Deflection of MeV electrons by self-generated magnetic fields in intense laser-solid interactions.
We show that the interaction of relativistic-intensity, picosecond laser pulses with solid targets is affected by the reflected light through the strong currents and 10(4)  T magnetic fields it produces. Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, with the axisymmetry broken by a small angle of incidence, show that these magnetic fields deflect the laser-accelerated electrons away from the incident laser axis. This directly impacts the interpretation of electron divergence and directionality in applications such as laser-driven ion acceleration or fast-ignition inertial fusion.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
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F
Pérez
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
A J
AJ
Kemp
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
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L
Divol
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
C D
CD
Chen
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
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Patel