1997/05/01 by A. R. Bell, A R Bell, J. R. Davies +5 · 2 citations
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #High-pressure geophysics and materials #Laser Material Processing Techniques #Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics
paper · doi:10.1088/0741-3335/39/5/001
openalex publication_date 1997/05/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
The interaction of short-pulse high-intensity lasers with solid targets generates large numbers of energetic electrons. The energetic electrons can only penetrate into the solid if the solid can supply an equivalent charge-neutralizing return current. We develop a simple model which shows that in many cases the solid cannot support the required return current and the fast electrons are confined by electric fields to the surface of the target. The target response to laser irradiation depends strongly on the electrical conductivity of the solid.