Generation of quasi static magnetic field in the relativistic laser-plasma interactions

The magnetic field generation by a relativistic laser light impinging on a thin target at oblique incidence is investigated using a two dimensional particle-in-cell simulation. We have found that the surface magnetic field inhibits the electron transport into the plasma and restricts the electron motion of the low energies at the surface for θ = 75 degrees. When the incident angle is larger than a certain critical angle, a magnetic field will restrict electron motion strongly. The existence of the critical angle, which restricts the electron transport, is well consistent with the theory. (authors)