The efficient transfer of angular orbital momentum from circularly polarized laser pulses into ions of solid density targets is investigated with different geometries using particle-in-cell simulations. The detailed electron and ion dynamics presented focus upon the energy and momentum conversion efficiency. It is found that the momentum transfer is more efficient for spiral targets and the maximum value is obtained when the spiral step is equal to twice the laser wavelength. This study reveals that the angular momentum distribution of ions strongly depends up on the initial target shape and density.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)31-42
Number of pages12
JournalLaser and Particle Beams
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2016

    Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

    Research areas

  • High-power laser, Laser-plasma interaction, Orbital angular momentum, Particle-in-cell simulation, Rotating and propagating ion beam

ID: 9327768