Scaling of Laser Produced Pair Plasmas And Comparison With Experimental Data

TL;DR

This paper presents simulation results of pair production using ultra-intense lasers on gold targets, reproducing experimental features and identifying optimal target thickness for pair yield, aiding future positron source development.

Contribution

It provides detailed Monte Carlo simulations of laser-induced pair production, matching experimental data and exploring parameter dependencies for optimizing positron sources.

Findings

Optimal target thickness is about 3 mm for Te 5-10 MeV.

Reproduces key features of experimental positron and electron spectra.

Trends with target thickness and electron temperature are identified.

Abstract

We report simulation results of pair production by ultra-intense lasers irradiating a gold target using the GEANT4 Monte-Carlo code. Certain experimental features of the positron and electron energy spectra are reproduced, as well as trends with regard to target thickness and hot electron temperature Te. For Te in the range 5-10 MeV, the optimal target thickness for pair production is found to be about 3 mm. Further Monte-Carlo simulations may aid in the optimization of laser-driven positron sources.