Considerations in Investigating Laser-Solid Interactions through Computer Simulations

We are investigating secondary radiation generation from a short pulse laser incident on a solid surface. Studies involving simulations of related processes already exist in literature, and suggest future potential for computational models that capture these processes in a physically meaningful and computationally efficient manner. A complete understanding of such processes requires consideration of both Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations, to capture the kinetic processes, and fluid dynamic simulations, to capture processes better described by a thermal picture. A recently implemented Quasi-3D geometry in the OSIRIS, PIC simulation framework may enable direct calculations of radiation resultant from particle motion. Existing plasma and hydrodynamic simulation frameworks may be modified and extended to facilitate these needs as necessary. The Turbowave plasma simulation framework, currently developed at the U.S. Naval Research Lab (NRL), will be discussed in relation to its current and future development in this context.