Electron excitation by a multi passage laser beam in a plasma

The limits put by optical guiding, and channel guiding mechanisms on the Laser Wakefield Acceleration (LWFA) technique are imposed on the Resonant Laser Wakefield Acceleration (RLWFA) scheme. Energy gained by the electrons in both schemes are calculated and compared. It has presented that in the RLWFA case, the electrons gain more and more energy after each traversal of the laser pulse and the electrons in a plasma gain about 3 GeV after 10 passages of the laser pulse. They gain 13 GeV when the laser light makes 50 passages and 26 GeV after the laser beam traverses the plasma 100 times. Moreover, the channel guiding mechanism is integrated to the RLWFA scheme and together with diffraction guiding a model for electron acceleration is proposed. Received 13 September 2000 and Received in final form 27 October 2000     

Laser energy deposition in relativistic interactions with underdense plasmas

It is well established that, at sub-relativistic intensities, the absorption of laser light by underdense plasmas decreases with increasing pulse intensity as interaction enters a non-linear regime. On the other hand, as the relativistic interaction regime is reached, further absorption mechanisms can be activated which can account for a substantial energy transfer. Using the particle code WAKE, we performed numerical simulations of the relativistic interaction of intense laser pulses with underdense plasmas in conditions that can be experimentally tested. Our simulations show that, while the relativistic laser intensity generates a population of fast electrons, a considerable fraction of the pulse energy goes into a population of thermal electrons. These findings open new possibilities for a direct observation of relativistic interaction processes using high resolution soft X-ray techniques.     

X-ray emission from aluminium under intense, ultrashort irradiation

We present studies of X-ray emission from aluminium under picosecond and femtosecond irradiation in the intensity range 10¹²-10¹⁵ W cm^-2. We use a new and simple method to measure spectrally resolved absolute X-ray yields. It is shown that the X-ray yields can be obtained for arbitrary levels of X-ray flux. We present details of the variation of the absolute yields as a function of wavelength, intensity, polarization and pulse duration of the incident laser radiation. Electron temperatures in the keV range are observed at 10¹⁵ W cm^-2 with femtosecond laser pulses. Received 12 August 1999 and Received in final form 29 November 1999     

Multistability and hysteresis of non-linear electron oscillations induced in a rippled plasma

Summary In the framework of the hydrodynamic approximation, we study the Langmuir oscillations of an ion density ripple background plasma under the influence of a single external harmonic r.f. field. An analytic frequency response curve is derived for the late-time behaviour exhibiting multistability and hysteresis.     

Change of EM-wave polarization in a plasma with uniform magnetic shear

Summary An explicit analytical solution is found for the change of polarization of an electromagnetic wave propagating in a plasma having uniformly sheared magnetic field, a constant field intensity and a constant plasma density. The polarisation transfer matrix is also found.     

Biomagnetic measurements utilising a superparamagnetic marker: a feasibility study

Summary A preliminary study is here reported on a new potential marker for biomagnetic measurements. The marker consists of superparamagnetic polymer microspheres which were detected in the presence of external steady magnetic fields by means of an r.f.-SQUID magnetometer. The particles were prepared in samples differing in the concentration value and immersed in a homogeneous magnetic field of variable intensity. A simple model was taken into account for the distribution of the microspheres in the samples, so that the theoretical values were compared to the marker field values measured by the biomagnetic sensor. The overall sensitivity of the experimental apparatus and the minimum concentration value of the marker were then estimated.     

Experimental studies of emission of highly charged Au-ions and of X-rays from the laser-produced plasma at high laser intensities

Au ions with maximum charge states 58+ and with the kinetic energy in a region of ∼100 MeV were recorded. The influence of various experimental conditions is presented and discussed.     

Evolution of polarization of electromagnetic waves in a plasma with uniformly sheared magnetic field

Summary An analytic solution is found for the evolution of the state of polarization of an electromagnetic wave propagating in a plasma with uniformly sheared magnetic field. It is the generalization of the one found previously for the special case of propagation perpendicular to the magnetic field.     

Growth of a laser ripple in a magnetoplasma and its effect on plasma wave excitation

Summary This paper presents an investigation of the growth of a radially symmetrical ripple, superimposed on a Gaussian laser beam in a collisionless magnetoplasma. The effect of the magnetic field and the intensity of the laser on the growth of the ripple is presented in some detail. The effect of the presence of the ripple on the excitation of an electron plasma wave is also investigated. Coupling of a weak plasma wave with the main laser beam is through the modified background density. The combined effect of increased intensity of the laser beam and magnetic field is observed to suppress the growth of the ripple as well as the excitation of the plasma wave. The authors of this paper have agreed to not receive the proofs for correction.     

Energy analysis of a toroidal magnetohydrodynamic plasma with fluid motion

Summary The relaxation process in an ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) plasma with fluid velocity and enclosed in a toroidal vessel has been discussed. The expressions for the field parameters and the energy state of the system have been derived. The expression for the minimum energy state of the system has been deduced. An analysis of the conservation of energy of the system in the presence of weak and strong magnetic fields has also been presented. The author of this paper has agreed to not receive the proofs for correction. This work was commenced and partly completed during author's short stay at I.C.T.P.-Trieste, Italy, in 1988.     

A biomagnetic method for studying gastro-intestinal activity

Summary A novel method to investigate the gastro-intestinal activity by means of a superconducting instrumentation based on SQUID sensors developed for biomagnetic measurements is presented. The magnetic field generated by a small marker ingested by the subject is measured over the abdomen. The localization of the marker,i.e. a magnetic dipole, is carried out by means of a standard algorithm used in biomagnetic studies. In this way it is possible to noninvasively study the activity of the gastro-intestinal system. This new approach may lead to important clinical applications.     

Freeze-fracture electron microscopy and light scattering studies on polyethylcyanoacrylate nanocapsule colloidal suspensions

Summary Nanocapsule preparative procedures are able to change the availability of drugs from delivery devices. In particular, the influence of the organic solvent, used in the interfacial polymerisation process, on the shape, mean particle size, size distribution and type of colloidal suspension was investigated. The organic solvents employed in the preparation of PECA nanocapsules were ethanol, acetone or acetonitrile. A non-ionic surfactant (Pluronic F68) was used during the preparation process. The amount of monomer represented another variable, capable of influencing the final carrier properties of PECA nanocapsules. The presence of ethanol achieved the formation of both nanoparticles and nanocapsules. However, the presence of acetone or acetonitrile achieved not only a highly homogeneous size colloidal system, but also the formation of only one type of PECA nanosphere (nanocapsule). The different amount of monomer led to the formation of nanocapsules with a wall thickness proportional to the initial concentration of the polymerising agent. Paper presented at the I International Conference on Scaling Concepts and Complex Fluids, Copanello, Italy, July 4–8, 1994.     

Correlation and anticorrelation of fractal aggregates. A model for «spinodal-type» aggregation

Summary We present a simple phenomenological model, based on mass conservation arguments, in order to describe aggregation in dense solutions. It has been previously shown that fordiffusion-limited processes scattered intensity distributions exhibit a peak atq≠0 which grows in time and moves to smaller and smallerq vectors. According to the model, each aggregate is surrounded by a depletion region whose size depends on the aggregation kinetics. The form factor for such a cluster should satisfy local mass conservation and hence exhibit a pronounced depression atq=0. the initial stages of aggregation, when the clusters are far apart, are accounted on the basis of a form factor alone. The model shows good agreement with the data and also explains the experimental evidence that the peak does not appear inreaction-limited conditions. Paper presented at the I International Conference on Scaling Concepts and Complex Fluids, Copanello, Italy, July 4–8, 1994.     

A new lateral distribution function for electrons in extensive air showers (EAS) detected near sea level

Summary A detailed analysis of Extensive Air Showers in the size range 10⁴–10⁶ particles detected near sea level has yielded a new distribution function for the radial distribution of EAS electrons. The goodness-of-fit criteria applied to the present and already existing similar distribution functions confirm that the present function is appropriate in EAS at radial distances beyond 20 m from the shower axis.     

Magnetic field generation by convective flows in a plane layer

Hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic convective attractors in a plane horizontal layer 0≤z≤1 are investigated numerically. We consider Rayleigh-Bénard convection in Boussinesq approximation assuming stress-free boundary conditions on horizontal boundaries and periodicity with the same period L in the x and y directions. Computations have been performed for the Prandtl number P=1 for and Rayleigh numbers 0<R≤4000, and for L=4, 0<R≤2000. Fifteen different types of hydrodynamic attractors are found, including two types of steady states distinct from rolls, travelling waves, periodic and quasiperiodic flows, and chaotic attractors of heteroclinic nature. Kinematic dynamo problem has been solved for the computed convective attractors. Out of the 15 types of the observed attractors only 6 can act as kinematic dynamos. Nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic regimes have been explored assuming as initial conditions convective attractors capable of magnetic field generation, and a small seed magnetic field. After initial exponential growth, in the saturated regime magnetic energy remains much smaller than the flow kinetic energy. The final magnetohydrodynamic attractors are either quasiperiodic or chaotic.     

On phase-coherence in rescattering in multiphoton ionization and in higher-order harmonic generation

Summary  The recently discovered plateau and rings in high-order multiphoton ionization apparently have their origin in rescattering. Similarly, rescattering is involved in higher-order harmonic generation. Using a simple one-dimensional model, it is shown that the phase-coherence in this rescattering process is of considerable importance. The authors of this paper have agreed to not receive the proofs for correction. This work has been supported by the East-West Program of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and by the Austrian Ministry of Science and Transportation under project no. 45.372/2-IV/6/97. One of us (JZK) acknowledges the support of the Polish Committee of Scientific Research (grant KBN 2 P03B 007 13).     

A micro Z-pinch as a spark of an axial detonation

Summary In order that a Z-pinch in a DT plasma could spark off an axial nuclear detonation wave severe conditions on space and time concentration of electromagnetic energy must be satisfied. Such energy compression could be achieved by a magnetic-field compressor (MFC) in which a fast liner compresses an azimuthal field (B _φ) of a micro Z-pinch. The driver of the MFC could be either a heavy-ion beam or an explosive magnetic-field generator (EMG) destroyed at each shot. In conclusion, some of the major problems associated with this approach to ICF are outlined.     

Characterisation of laser-produced tungsten plasma using optical spectroscopy method

This paper describes results of spectroscopic investigation of laser-produced tungsten plasma. The laser intensity on the target surface reached up to 30 GW/cm² depending on the focusing conditions. Optical spectra emitted from plasma plumes which were formed under vacuum conditions in front of the tungsten target due to the interaction of Nd-YAG laser pulses (1.06 μm, 0.5 J), were characterised by means of an optical spectrometer (λ/Δλ= 900) in the wavelength range from 300 to 1100 nm. The spectra were recorded automatically with the use of a CCD detector with exposition time varied from 100 ns to 50 ms. On the basis of WI and WII lines it was possible to estimate electron temperature and electron density which corresponded to the expansion phase of the plasma. T_e and N_e were measured as 1.1 eV and 8×10¹⁶ cm^-3, respectively. The spectra collected by the ion energy analyser showed that the plasma included tungsten ions up to 6+ ion charge. Signals from the ion collector allowed to estimate the average value of ion energy of tungsten as 4.6 keV. Basing on this value the electron temperature corresponding to the initial stage of the plasma formation was estimated to be about 320 eV. Optical microscope investigation showed that laser irradiation caused structural changes on the surface of the target.     

Scaling of betatron X-ray radiation

Energetic electron beams accelerated in a laser-produced plasma wakefield cavity can generate collimated beams of X-ray radiation. The oscillation of the electrons in the plasma cavity produces synchrotron-like emission, called betatron radiation. On the basis of state of the art experiments, we discuss the potentiality of this source in terms of spectral brigthness and flux. These characteristics are compared to existing and planned X-ray sources in both laser and accelerator communities.