The experimental study of the behavior of deuterium plasma with densities between 2× 1018 and 2× 1020 cm-3, subjected to a 6 TW, 30 ps, 3× 1018 W cm-2 laser pulse, is presented. Conclusive experimental proof that a single straight channel is generated when the laser pulse interacts with the lowest densities is provided. This channel shows no small-scale longitudinal density modulations, extends up to 2 mm in length and persists for up to 150 ps after the peak of the interaction. Bifurcation of the channel after 1 mm propagation distance is observed for the first time. For higher density interactions, above the relativistic self-focusing threshold, bubblelike structures are observed to form at late times. These observations have implications for both laser wakefield accelerators and fast ignition inertial fusion studies.
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机译：提出了在6 TW，30 ps，3×1018 W cm-2激光脉冲下，密度在2×1018和2×1020 cm-3之间的氘等离子体行为的实验研究。提供了实验性证明，即当激光脉冲与最低密度相互作用时会生成单个直线通道。该通道没有小规模的纵向密度调制，延伸到2 mm长，并且在相互作用达到峰值后持续了150 ps。第一次观察到传播距离为1 mm之后通道的分叉。对于较高密度的相互作用，在相对论性自聚焦阈值以上，观察到气泡状结构在后期形成。这些观察结果对激光尾场加速器和快速点火惯性聚变研究都有影响。
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