Simulating extreme conditions: This paper introduces the three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) code VLPL (Virtual Laser Plasma Lab), enabling fully electromagnetic simulations of relativistic laser–plasma interactions. For the first time, this code allows the exploration of these complex phenomena directly. Physical results on relativistic self-focusing in under-dense plasma are presented, revealing the acceleration of background plasma electrons to multi-MeV energies and the generation of significant magnetic fields. This physics is crucial for inertial confinement fusion. Advances in the numerical PIC algorithm used in the code VLPL are reviewed, further enhancing its capabilities. This work contributes to the understanding of laser-plasma interactions and their potential applications.
Published in the Journal of Plasma Physics, this paper aligns with the journal's focus on plasma physics and ionized gases. The introduction of the VLPL code and its application to simulating relativistic laser–plasma interactions fits within the scope of topics covered by the journal. The study's findings are relevant to the field of plasma physics.
| Category | Category Repetition |
|---|---|
| Science: Physics | 6 |