Modeling Short-Pulse Laser-Plasma Experiments using PIC Codes

W.B.Mori and K-C.Tzeng

University of California, Los Angeles

Abstract:

There are numerous experiments being conducted throughout the world to understand the propagation of short-pulse high-intensity lasers through underdense plasmas. These experiments address physics issues inherent in laser-plasma acceleration and fast ignition. The physical phenomena in these interactions are so nonlinear that PIC codes are essential to properly model them. Using a parallelized PIC code which only models the region of plasma near the laser, PEGASUS, we have modeled in two-dimensions the full spatial and temporal scales of several of these experiments. We have compared the results from the simulations to the experimental observables and found quantitive agreement for some observables. Based on this agreement, the simulations can then be used to provide insight into processes which are not possible to experimentally measure. In this talk, we will discuss the areas of agreement and disagreement between experiments and simulations, and discuss areas of future work.

Work supported by DOE, NSF, and LLNL.