Enhanced photon emission from a double-layer target at moderate laser intensities

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Laser-matter interaction
• High-energy photon generation

Background:

• Photon emission via inverse Compton scattering occurs when accelerated electrons interact with laser pulses.
• Generating high-intensity laser pulses is crucial for enhancing photon emission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate photon emission enhancement using a laser pulse with a steep rising edge.
• To analyze the impact of such laser pulses on photon generation and beam divergence.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations were employed to study the interaction dynamics.
• A laser pulse with a steep rising edge was generated by preceding interaction with a thin foil.

Main Results:

• A steep rising edge laser pulse enables accelerated electrons to interact with the most intense part of the pulse.
• This direct interaction significantly enhances photon emission.
• The number of generated photons and the photon beam divergence were improved.

Conclusions:

• Employing a laser pulse with a steep rising edge is an effective strategy for enhancing photon generation.
• This technique offers a promising approach for advanced photon source development.