Andreas Kemp

Numerical methods for particle simulations at extreme densities and temperatures: Weighted particles, relativistic collisions and reduced currents

We present a fully relativistic energy-conserving binary collision model for particle simulations with large density scale plasmas. Our model deals with collisions between weighted particles of arbitrary species, conserving energy perfectly in each collision while momentum is conserved on the average. We also discuss a new method to model extremely high densities, applicable to a wide range of plasmas from the cold, non-relativistic to the ultra-relativistic regime in the high energy density physics.

Fast-ignition transport studies: Realistic electron source, integrated particle-in-cell and hydrodynamic modeling, imposed magnetic fields

Transport modeling of idealized, cone-guided fast ignition targets indicates the severe challenge posed by fast-electron source divergence. The hybrid particle-in-cell (PIC) code Zuma is run in tandem with the radiation-hydrodynamics code Hydra to model fast-electron propagation, fuel heating, and thermonuclear burn. The fast electron source is based on a 3D explicit-PIC laser-plasma simulation with the PSC code. This shows a quasi two-temperature energy spectrum and a divergent angle spectrum (average velocity-space polar angle of 52°). Transport simulations with the PIC-based divergence do not ignite for >1 MJ of fast-electron energy, for a modest (70 μm) standoff distance from fast-electron injection to the dense fuel. However, artificially collimating the source gives an ignition energy of 132 kJ. To mitigate the divergence, we consider imposed axial magnetic fields. Uniform fields ∼50 MG are sufficient to recover the artificially collimated ignition energy. Experiments at the Omega laser facility hav...

Multispecies ion acceleration off laser-irradiated water droplets

In a recent experiment at Max-Born Institut, Berlin, strong modulations have been observed in energy spectra of MeV ions that were accelerated by ultrashort intense laser pulses, τL=35fs, I=1019W∕cm2, off water droplets. This experiment is studied analytically as well as by numerical particle-in-cell simulations in one and two dimensions and it is shown how classical isothermal fluid expansion models fail in the present case. The paper investigates alternative models which claim to describe the ion spectral modulations and a mechanism that generates proton spectra similar to the experimental ones due to a simultaneous acceleration of several ion components. Finally, the issue of directional anisotropy in the spectra of accelerated ions for the case of a spherical target is discussed.

Intensity scaling of hot electron energy coupling in cone-guided fast ignition

A critical issue for the fast ignition of inertial fusion targets, where compressed fuel is ignited by injection of an intense short laser pulse, is whether the hot electrons produced in the interaction are in an energy range conducive to efficient heating of the core. This work presents the first comprehensive two-dimensional kinetic simulation of the cone-guided approach to fast ignition. Simulation results predict the hot electron temperature to be much lower than previously expected, which indicates the possibility of using them for optimum core heating. Furthermore, the roles of collisional versus kinetic processes for transport and heating mechanisms of the core plasmas are clarified. The core heating efficiency scales linearly with intensity at ranges of 1019–1020W∕cm2, but falls below this range due to deflection of hot electrons in strong magnetic filaments behind the cone target.

Spectral properties of laser-accelerated mid-Z MeV/u ion beams

Collimated jets of beryllium, carbon, oxygen, fluorine, and palladium ions with >1MeV∕nucleon energies are observed from the rear surface of thin foils irradiated with laser intensities of up to 5×1019W∕cm2. The normally dominant proton acceleration is suppressed when the target is subjected to Joule heating to remove hydrogen-bearing contaminant. This inhibits screening effects and permits effective energy transfer to and acceleration of heavier ion species. The influence of remnant protons on the spectral shape of the next highest charge-to-mass ratio species is shown. Particle-in-cell simulations confirming the experimental findings are presented.

Comparative spectra and efficiencies of ions laser-accelerated forward from the front and rear surfaces of thin solid foils

The maximum energy of protons that are accelerated forward by high-intensity, short-pulse lasers from either the front or rear surfaces of thin metal foils is compared for a large range of laser intensities and pulse durations. In the regime of moderately long laser pulse durations (300–850fs), and for high laser intensities [(1−6)×1019W∕cm2], rear-surface acceleration is shown experimentally to produce higher energy particles with smaller divergence and a higher efficiency than front-surface acceleration. For similar laser pulse durations but for lower laser intensities (2×1018Wcm−2), the same conclusion is reached from direct proton radiography of the electric fields associated with proton acceleration from the rear surface. For shorter (30–100fs) or longer (1–10ps) laser pulses, the same predominance of rear-surface acceleration in producing the highest energy protons is suggested by simulations and by comparison of analytical models with measured values. For this purpose, we have revised our previous ...

Integrated kinetic simulation of laser-plasma interactions, fast-electron generation, and transport in fast ignition

We present new results on the physics of short-pulse laser-matter interaction of kilojoule-picosecond pulses at full spatial and temporal scale using a new approach that combines a three-dimensional collisional electromagnetic particle-in-cell code with a magnetohydrodynamic-hybrid model of high-density plasma. In the latter, collisions damp out plasma waves, and an Ohms law with electron inertia effects neglected determines the electric field. In addition to yielding orders of magnitude in speed-up while avoiding numerical instabilities, this allows us to model the whole problem in a single unified framework: the laser-plasma interaction at subcritical densities, energy deposition at relativistic critical densities, and fast- electron transport in solid densities. Key questions such as the multipicosecond temporal evolution of the laser energy conversion into hot electrons, the impact of return currents on the laser-plasma interaction, and the effect of self-generated electric and magnetic fields on electron transport will be addressed. We will report applications to current experiments.

Simulation of laser-plasma interactions and fast-electron transport in inhomogeneous plasma

A new framework is introduced for kinetic simulation of laser-plasma interactions in an inhomogeneous plasma motivated by the goal of performing integrated kinetic simulations of fast-ignition laser fusion. The algorithm addresses the propagation and absorption of an intense electromagnetic wave in an ionized plasma leading to the generation and transport of an energetic electron component. The energetic electrons propagate farther into the plasma to much higher densities where Coulomb collisions become important. The high-density plasma supports an energetic electron current, return currents, self-consistent electric fields associated with maintaining quasi-neutrality, and self-consistent magnetic fields due to the currents. Collisions of the electrons and ions are calculated accurately to track the energetic electrons and model their interactions with the background plasma. Up to a density well above critical density, where the laser electromagnetic field is evanescent, Maxwells equations are solved with a conventional particle-based, finite-difference scheme. In the higher-density plasma, Maxwells equations are solved using an Ohms law neglecting the inertia of the background electrons with the option of omitting the displacement current in Amperes law. Particle equations of motion with binary collisions are solved for all electrons and ions throughout the system using weighted particles to resolve the density gradient efficiently. The algorithm is analyzed and demonstrated in simulation examples. The simulation scheme introduced here achieves significantly improved efficiencies.

Laser–plasma interactions for fast ignition

In the electron-driven fast-ignition (FI) approach to inertial confinement fusion, petawatt laser pulses are required to generate MeV electrons that deposit several tens of kilojoules in the compressed core of an imploded DT shell. We review recent progress in the understanding of intense laser–plasma interactions (LPI) relevant to FI. Increases in computational and modelling capabilities, as well as algorithmic developments have led to enhancement in our ability to perform multi-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of LPI at relevant scales. We discuss the physics of the interaction in terms of laser absorption fraction, the laser-generated electron spectra, divergence, and their temporal evolution. Scaling with irradiation conditions such as laser intensity are considered, as well as the dependence on plasma parameters. Different numerical modelling approaches and configurations are addressed, providing an overview of the modelling capabilities and limitations. In addition, we discuss the comparison of simulation results with experimental observables. In particular, we address the question of surrogacy of todays experiments for the full-scale FI problem.

Isochoric heating in heterogeneous solid targets with ultrashort laser pulses

We study ultrafast heating of thin plastic foils by intense laser irradiation theoretically using collisional two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. We find that the laser-generated hot electrons are confined laterally by self-generated resistive magnetic fields, heating the laser focal area beyond keV electron temperatures isochorically in a few picoseconds. Using this confinement one can excite shock waves that compress the plasma beyond solid density and achieve keV thermal plasmas before the plasma disassembles. Such shocks can be launched at material interfaces inside the target where jumps in the average ionization state and thus electron density lead to gigabar pressure. They propagate stably over picoseconds accompanied by multi-megagauss magnetic fields, and thus have a potential for various applications in high energy density physics.