Fokker-Planck Calculations with Ionization Dynamics of Short-Pulse Laser-Solid Interactions

Abstract
A one-dimensional Fokker-Planck code coupled to a non-local-thermodynamic-equilibrium ionization dynamics model is described. Simulations are presented of the interaction of a short-pulse laser with a solid target which show that the variable ionization state distorts the distribution function. This distortion modifies the temperature and heat flow profiles. The heat front penetration is found to be different from fixed ionization simulation.