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Numerical study of positron production with short-pulse high-intensity lasers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 January 2014

Vaclav Hanus*
Affiliation:
Czech Technical University, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Prague, Czech Republic Institute of Plasma Physics, ASCR, v.v.i., PALS Centre, Prague, Czech Republic
Ladislav Drska
Affiliation:
Czech Technical University, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Prague, Czech Republic
Emmanuel d'Humieres
Affiliation:
Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications, Université Bordeaux 1 - CEA - CNRS, Talence Cedex, France
Vladimir Tikhonchuk
Affiliation:
Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications, Université Bordeaux 1 - CEA - CNRS, Talence Cedex, France
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Vaclav Hanus, Czech Technical University, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Prague, Czech Republic. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

One-dimensional particle-in-cell and Monte-Carlo (FLUKA) simulation methods were used together, in order to investigate the production of positrons in lead targets, illuminated by a short-pulse high-intensity laser. The study is focused on lead targets of 1 mm thickness and more and pulses of intensity in the range 1019–1022 W/cm2. The calculations provided an estimate of an absolute number of positrons and the ratio of electrons and positrons emerging from the target. The thickness of the target is scaled in order to find an optimal thickness that could provide a neutral electron-positron beam.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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