Propagation of hot electrons through high-density plasmas

Propagation of hot electrons through high-density plasmas generated by femtosecond laser pulses is investigated using three types of target configurations: Al-coated glass, Al and glass separated by a vacuum gap, and Al foil alone. Collimated ionization tracks lasting for 60 ps and extending 150-300 microm in length and 8 microm in cross section are observed via optical probing. For the Al-foil-alone target, a narrow plasma jet is formed at the rear surface in line with the laser. The collimation of the hot electrons may be attributed to a strong self-generated magnetic field in the target.