Suprathermal electron generation in fast ignition relevant short-pulse laser plasma interactions

The characteristics of relativistic electrons generated in short-pulse laser plasma interactions are important for evaluating the success of the fast ignition concept. The important parameters include the spectrum, laser to electron conversion efficiency, and divergence angle of the electrons at the interface. Simulation results using 3-D particle-in-cell (PIC) techniques in fast ignition geometries show coupling >60% into hot electrons with a characteristic slope temperature slightly greater than the ponderomotive potential of the laser. Electrons were divergent into a wide 3-4 sr cone angle.