A Novel Source of Mesoscopic Particles for Laser Plasma Studies
Abstract
Intense laser produced plasma are known for generating high dense - high temperatures plasma that is a source for electron, ion acceleration and also x-ray emission that extends to a few MeV in energy. Size limited particles in the nm and micro meter range are known to absorb the laser light efficiently. The present project has fulfilled the aim of developing a source of nearly monodisperse microparticles delivered as an effusive jet into vacuum for laser plasma studies. This instrument extends the range and scope of the nature of particles that absorb the laser energy and provide a richer variety of micro-nanoplasma environment for not only basic studies of understanding the intense laser field science but also to provide new technologies for developing efficient x-ray sources. After due characterization of the source, the instrument was used for studying x-ray generation (<10(exp 16) Wcm(exp -2) intensity range). The first results show dramatic effects in x-ray generation from the size limited particles. X-ray emission measurements from focusing 2.7mJ-30fs laser pulses on boric acid particles on about 15 m size, demonstrate an electron temperature of about 50 keV with a high energy component (of 20% weightage) of about 370 keV. This is perhaps the highest electron temperature achieved in laser produced plasmas formed with a few mJ-fs pulses. A detailed investigation of the underlying physics especially on the role of the size and shape of the target is currently under exploration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA637210
Entities
People
- Abhishek N. Kulkarni
- M. Anand
- M. Krishnamurthy
- R. Gopal
- Ravinder Kumar
Organizations
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research