High Efficiency Gamma-Ray Flash Generation via Multiple Compton Scattering

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to generate gamma-ray flashes with up to 50% efficiency using multiple Compton scattering in a near-critical density target irradiated by four symmetrical high-intensity laser pulses, advancing gamma-ray source technology.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scheme employing four colliding laser pulses to enhance gamma-ray production efficiency via multiple Compton scattering in near-critical density targets.

Findings

Gamma-ray energy conversion efficiency reaches 50%.

Electrons are trapped in optical lattices or standing waves.

High-intensity laser pulses enable effective gamma-ray generation.

Abstract

Gamma-ray flash generation in near critical density (NCD) target irradiated by four symmetrical colliding laser pulses is numerically investigated. With peak intensities about $10^{23}$ W/cm$^2$, the laser pulses boost electron energy through direct laser acceleration, while pushing them inward with the ponderomotive force. After backscattering with counter-propagating laser, the accelerated electron is trapped in the optical lattice or the electromagnetic standing waves (SW) created by the coherent overlapping of the laser pulses, and emits gamma-ray photons in Multiple Compton Scattering regime, where electrons act as a medium transferring energy from the laser to gamma-rays. The energy conversion rate from laser pulses to gamma-ray can be as high as 50\%