Relativistic Positron Creation Using Ultraintense Short Pulse Lasers
Abstract
We measure up to 2×1010 positrons per steradian ejected out the back of ∼mm thick gold targets when illuminated with short (∼1ps) ultraintense (∼1×1020W/cm2) laser pulses. Positrons are produced predominately by the Bethe-Heitler process and have an effective temperature of 2-4 MeV, with the distribution peaking at 4-7 MeV. The angular distribution of the positrons is anisotropic. Modeling based on the measurements indicate the positron density to be ∼1016positrons/cm3, the highest ever created in the laboratory.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- March 2009
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2009PhRvL.102j5001C
- Keywords:
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- 52.38.Ph;
- 52.59.-f;
- X-ray gamma-ray and particle generation;
- Intense particle beams and radiation sources