Model for the production and transport of energetic particles in a laser produced plasma

A model is presented for the production and transport of energetic electrons in a laser produced plasma. The basic assumption is that the laser deposits its energy in the form of a large amplitude plasma wave. The energy is given to particles as the electrostatic wave propagates outward and damps. Theory and simulations show that the maximum energetic particle velocity is between about five and seven thermal velocities, and that the heat flux is limited to about (1/4) nmV3/sube/