• High Power Laser Science and Engineering
  • Vol. 2, Issue 3, 03000e22 (2014)
Shalom Eliezer1, Noaz Nissim2, Shirly Vinikman Pinhasi2, Erez Raicher2、3, and and Jose Maria Martinez Val1
Author Affiliations
  • 1Nuclear Fusion Institute, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
  • 2Applied Physics Division, Soreq NRC, Yavne, Israel
  • 3Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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    DOI: 10.1017/hpl.2014.24 Cite this Article Set citation alerts
    Shalom Eliezer, Noaz Nissim, Shirly Vinikman Pinhasi, Erez Raicher, and Jose Maria Martinez Val. Ultrafast ignition with relativistic shock waves induced by high power lasers[J]. High Power Laser Science and Engineering, 2014, 2(3): 03000e22 Copy Citation Text show less

    Abstract

    In this paper we consider laser intensities greater than 1016 W cm?2 where the ablation pressure is negligible in comparison with the radiation pressure. The radiation pressure is caused by the ponderomotive force acting mainly on the electrons that are separated from the ions to create a double layer (DL). This DL is accelerated into the target, like a piston that pushes the matter in such a way that a shock wave is created. Here we discuss two novel ideas. Firstly, the transition domain between the relativistic and non-relativistic laser-induced shock waves. Our solution is based on relativistic hydrodynamics also for the above transition domain. The relativistic shock wave parameters, such as compression, pressure, shock wave and particle flow velocities, sound velocity and rarefaction wave velocity in the compressed target, and temperature are calculated. Secondly, we would like to use this transition domain for shockwave-induced ultrafast ignition of a pre-compressed target. The laser parameters for these purposes are calculated and the main advantages of this scheme are described. If this scheme is successful a new source of energy in large quantities may become feasible.
    Shalom Eliezer, Noaz Nissim, Shirly Vinikman Pinhasi, Erez Raicher, and Jose Maria Martinez Val. Ultrafast ignition with relativistic shock waves induced by high power lasers[J]. High Power Laser Science and Engineering, 2014, 2(3): 03000e22
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