High power gamma flare generation in multi-petawatt laser interaction with tailored targets

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the optimization of gamma-ray flare generation using high-power laser interactions with tailored cryogenic hydrogen targets, achieving GeV photon energies and kilojoule-level flare energies through simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel simulation-based approach to optimize gamma-ray flare production with tailored targets and laser parameters, advancing laser-based gamma source development.

Findings

Achieved GeV photon energies in gamma flares.

Kilojoule-level total flare energy.

Efficient conversion of laser energy to gamma photons.

Abstract

Using quantum electrodynamics particle-in-cell simulations, we optimize the gamma flare ($\gamma$-flare) generation scheme from interaction of high power petawatt-class laser pulse with tailored cryogenic hydrogen target having extended preplasma corona. We show that it is possible to generate an energetic flare of photons with energies in the GeV range and total flare energy being on a kilojoule level with an efficient conversion of the laser pulse energy to $\gamma$-photons. We discuss how the target engineering and laser pulse parameters influence the $\gamma$-flare generation efficiency. This type of experimental setup for laser-based $\gamma$ source would be feasible for the upcoming high power laser facilities. Applications of high intensity $\gamma$ ray beams are also discussed.