Controlling laser-driven electron distribution functions through nanostructured targets in the high intensity short-pulse regime

Nanostructured materials consisting of solid-density wires with diameters ranging from tens of nanometers to several micrometers and lengths up to hundreds of micrometers, either as uniformly oriented wires or foams, have recently seen a surge in interest as targets for intense short laser pulses (ie sub-nanosecond pulse durations, intensity >1e18W/cm2). This is thanks to novel manufacturing techniques and improved energy contrast in high power laser systems. The very high absorption of optical light makes the nanostructured targets a trace for applications like short-pulse laser driven x-ray genera=on, particle acceleration and studies of atomic and nuclear physics at extreme conditions, all topics at the heart of high energy density physics (HEDP). One aspect of nanostructured targets that will be highlighted in this talk is our ability to control the directionality and energy spectra of laser-generated hot electrons via manipulating the structure and shape of the target.