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Relativistic High-Energy-Density Systems

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High-Energy-Density Physics

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Abstract

This chapter begins with a discussion of what constitutes a relativistic system at high energy density and how to produce such systems. The primary focus is on lasers intense enough to create relativistic electron motion. The chapter proceeds to discuss the motion of individual electrons in laser pulses and then the problem of producing the interaction of such laser pulses with sold targets , as opposed to with plasma blown off their surfaces. Topics discussed further related to laser irradiation of solids include absorption, harmonic generation, and induced transparency. The discussion then turns to particle acceleration. Wakefield acceleration of electrons is discussed at length. Ion acceleration by target sheaths, by laser pistons, and by Coulomb explosions are discussed next. After that, the chapter analyzes hole drilling by such lasers and the collisionless shocks that may result. The chapter ends with a brief review of several other phenomena, including magnetic-field generation, betatron X-ray production, positron production, nuclear reactions, and phenomena involving intense beams.

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  1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    R Paul Drake

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Drake, R.P. (2018). Relativistic High-Energy-Density Systems. In: High-Energy-Density Physics. Graduate Texts in Physics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67711-8_13

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