Simulation of laser-plasma interactions and fast-electron transport in inhomogeneous plasma (Q975132)

A new framework is introduced for simulation of laser-plasma interaction. The aim is to help an integrated kinetic simulation of fast-ignition laser fusion. The algorithm addresses the propagation and transport of an intense electromagnetic wave in an ionized plasma. This process leads to the generation and transport of an energetic electron component. The consequent effects are evaluated. The collisions of electrons and ions are calculated to track the energetic electrons and model the interaction with the background plasma. One- and two-dimensional applications illustrate the algorithm and its ability to simulate the fast-ignition physics.