A nonlinear plasma retroreflector for single pulse Compton backscattering

ORAL

Abstract

A long laser pulse focused onto the edge of a gas jet nozzle launches a shock wave. The shock wave and gas jet flow collide forming a density spike [1]. The leading edge of an incident ultrashort laser pulse ionizes the gas, while the bulk undergoes a nonlinear Poynting flux reversal from the ionized spike. The resulting counterpropagating field can Compton backscatter from electrons accelerated in the ultrashort pulse's wakefield, upshifting the frequency. We examine the reversal mechanism and properties of the counterpropagating field to optimize the Compton scattered radiation. \\[4pt] [1] D. Kaganovich \textit{et al.}, Phys. Plasmas 18, 120701 (2011).

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Authors

  • J.P. Palastro

    Icarus Research, Inc., Icarus Research Inc, Icarus Research

  • Dmitri Kaganovich

    Naval Research Laboratory, US Naval Research Laboratory

  • Daniel Gordon

    Naval Research Lab, Naval Research Laboratory, US Naval Research Laboratory

  • B. Hafizi

    Naval Research Lab, Naval Research Laboratory, Plasma Physics Div., Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC

  • J. Penano

    Plasma Physics Div., Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, Naval Research Laboratory

  • Michael Helle

    Naval Research Lab, Plasma Physics Div., Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, Naval Research Laboratory, US Naval Research Laboratory

  • A. Ting

    Plasma Physics Div., Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, Naval Research Laboratory