Spatio-temporal analysis of high-power laser micro-structured targets interaction

The present work reports the development of an optimized ultra-intense laser—solid target interaction system which aims to achieve higher intensities for different pulse durations, down to few-cycle regime, considering different micro-structured profiles of the internal cone target walls. A spatio-temporal analysis of the electromagnetic field in the interaction area is elaborated in order to provide a complex description of this approach. The numerical analysis is made by using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The results are explained in correspondence with the extension of the Rayleigh range and it is relevant for a wide range of ultra-short and ultra-intense laser experiments planned at laser facilities in petawatt regimes. (paper)