Description
We show that conversion efficiency in ultra-relativistic laser-plasma interactions is self-similar with the density to relativistic critical density ratio. Using a PIC code, we simulate an array of ultra-intense ($> 10^{21}\,\text{Wcm}^{-2}$) laser-solid interactions at different target densities and laser intensities. It is found that the total conversion efficiency is not dependent on the density or intensity independently but on the ratio between the density to the relativistic critical density of the target; this result is supported by an analytical argument. The partition of energy among the species is strongly dependent on intensity due to the dominance of ultra-relativistic and QED effects.
Author
Shaun Doherty
(University of York)
Co-authors
Christopher Paul Ridgers
(University of York)
Joel Adams
(York Plasma Institute, University of York)
Nathan Smith
(York Plasma Institute, University of York)