Collimated hot electron generation from sub-wavelength grating target irradiated by a femtosecond laser pulse of relativistic intensity

Abstract

We investigate the production of hot electrons from the interaction of relativistically intense ($I> 10^{18} W/cm^{2}$) ultra-short (25 fs) laser pulses with sub-wavelength grating target. We measure the hot electron angular distribution and energy spectra for grating target and compare them with those from a planar mirror target. We observe that hot electrons are emitted in a collimated beam along the specular direction of the grating target. From the measured electron energy spectra we see electron temperature for grating is higher than the mirror, suggesting a higher electron yield and hence a stronger coupling with the laser. We performed numerical simulations which are in good agreement with experimental results, offer insights into the acceleration mechanism by resulting electric and magnetic fields. Such collimated fast electron beams have a wide range of applications in applied and fundamental science.