Hard X-ray generation and particle production via the relativistic-intensity laser pulse interaction with a solid target

This paper considers various channels of electron-positron pair, neutron, a nd gamma -quantum generation via the ultrashort high-power laser pulse inte raction with targets made from different materials. The positron yields in materials with different Z are estimated for the positron production by hig h-speed electrons and gamma -photons. It is shown that a picosecond 100-TW laser pulse gives rise to formation of about 10(10) positrons, possible cha nnels of the neutron production in light- and heavy-atom materials being st udied as well. It is ascertained that the formation of up to 10(7) laser ne utrons per shot is possible when the laser intensity is similar to 10(21) W /cm(2) on a heavy-atom target.