Electron Acceleration from the Interaction of VULCAN 100TW Laser with Au Foils and its Dependence on Laser Polarisation

In this report electron acceleration from overdense plasmas is investigated by conducting thickness scans using Au foil targets ranging from thicknesses of 10 to 100 µm. In addition the effects of linear and circular polarisation are observed. The electron spectra, of the most energetic electrons produced in the interaction, are measured along the laser direction and extend up to 40 MeV. A decrease in number and effective temperature of energetic electrons is observed for circular polarisation as compared to linear polarisation. Simultaneously the proton beam profiles emitted normal to the target rear surface also indicate a dependence on electron beam recirculation.