A simple model for the dynamics of the electrons in a spherical plasma irradiated by a laser pulse

The paper deals with the dynamics of the electrons in the first phase of the expansion of a spherical plasma irradiated by an ultraintense laser pulse, in which the ions can be considered as immobile. A simple model of "competitive escape'' is proposed, in which the electrons leaving the ion sphere increase a potential barrier that prevents other electrons from escaping. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.