Effect of ion mass on pair production in the interaction of an ultraintense laser with overdense plasmas

TL;DR

This study uses particle-in-cell simulations to show that heavier ion mass in overdense plasmas enhances pair production by strengthening electrostatic fields and increasing photon collision rates.

Contribution

It reveals how ion mass influences pair yields and clarifies the underlying mechanisms in laser-plasma interactions.

Findings

Heavier ion mass excites higher and broader electrostatic fields.

Pair yields increase with ion mass due to more backward photon collisions.

Enhanced pair production is linked to increased electrostatic field strength.

Abstract

The effect of ion mass on pair production in the interaction of an ultraintense laser with overdense plasmas has been explored by particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. It is found that the heavier ion mass excites the higher and broader electrostatic field, which is responsible for the enhancement of backward photon number. The pair yields are also reinforced due to the increase of head-on collision of backwards photon with incoming laser. By examining the density evolution and angle distribution of each particle species the origin of pair yields enhancement has been clarified further.