Feasibility studies of an all-optical and compact γ-ray blaster using a 1 PW laser pulse. (5th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ong, J F; Seto, K; Berceanu, A C; Aogaki, S; Neagu, L
• Is Part Of: Plasma physics and controlled fusion. Volume 61:Number 8(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-07-05
• Subjects: γ-ray sources -- nonlinear Compton backscattering -- laser wakefield acceleration -- particle-in-cell simulations -- bremsstrahlung -- radiation reaction -- plasma mirror; Plasma (Ionized gases) -- Periodicals; Controlled fusion -- Periodicals; 530.44
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6587/ab283a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0741-3335

Abstract

Abstract: Recently, the all-optical Compton laser backscattering setup has become a promising approach in producing high-quality γ -rays. However, this method only produces a single γ -ray beam. In this paper, we report on the numerical study for the feasibility of producing double γ -ray beams using a 1 PW laser. Our method utilizes the all-optical setup with a structured solid target as a reflecting foil. The laser pulse is reflected by the foil after propagating a few millimeters into the underdense plasma. The reflected laser intensity is strongly boosted by the foil to invoke a radiation reaction as nonlinear Compton backscattering. Subsequently, the electron bunch traverses the foil, generating bremsstrahlung. Our simulation results show that a collimated γ -ray beam from the nonlinear Compton backscattering with the peak brilliance of 6.7 × 10 20 photons/s/mm 2 /mrad 2 /0.1% BW at 15 MeV is produced. Another collimated γ -ray beam with the peak brilliance of 2.1 × 10 6 photons/s/mm 2 /mrad 2 /0.1% BW is produced by bremsstrahlung. The combined γ -ray beams act as a blaster and are of particular interest in nuclear interactions induced by high-energy photons.