Plasma mirror for high contrast picosecond laser pulses for fast ignition fusion

Abstract

Application of a unique anomaly of ps laser pulses with powers above TW for driving plasma blocks for fast ignition is based on very high contrast ratios produced by plasma mirrors of which the mechanisms involved are discussed. A recent plasma mirror experiment is evaluated in view of the optical momentum transfer where the measurements are reproduced from the nonlinear (ponderomotive) force acceleration of the electrons with the usual electrostatic coupling of the ions.