Space Propulsion System using Relativistic Plasma Beams through Intense Laser-Solid Nonlinear Interactions

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In the experiment, using measured velocities, propulsive perfume/re and mechanism were compared and elucidated. In the theoretical analysis, thrust perfermances using relativistic particles were discussed, as follows.(1) Comparison of thrust performances for various laser conditions Propulsive performances for various laser and target conditions were measured and compared, and optimum conditions were discussed.(2) Investigation of arreleration mechanism with numerical simulation A 1.5-D particle-in-cell (PIC) code was developed for high-powerlaser-solid interaction. Forward particle acceleration from a thin film target was simulated. Hi addition, the acceleration mechanism of these particles including that of generation of intense electric field was investigated.(3) Investigation of acceleration mechanism through measurement of target-plasma potential Temporal variations of target-plasma potentials were estimated with single probes, and temporal variations of strengths of electrostatic field and forte were estimated. As the result, the primary acceleration mechanism was found to be the electrostatic field between the target and plasma.(4) Theoretical investigation of propulsive performance using relativistic particles Propulsive performances with the use of relativistic particle beams were investigated. As the result, the thrust at given input power approached that generated only with the laser itself when the velocity of the particles was assumed to be approaching the speed of light It was also shown that thrust at the relativistic condition was almost independent on mass flow rate of the particles. These results will revive the old photon propulsion concept as the novel "direct laser propulsion" concept.