Electron transport in ultraintense laser interactions with electric inhibition

Summary form only given. The interaction of petawatt-class lasers with solid targets provides a unique environment for studying electron transport in materials. For initially cold targets, the intense laser heats the material and launches hot electrons into a near solid density plasma and induces a corresponding cold return current. For current experimental conditions, the return current samples the material resistivity for temperatures well below the Spitzer regime. We describe results from recent petawatt experiments utilizing Cu Kalpha X-ray imaging and XUV optical imaging. In addition to confirming the role of electric inhibition in slowing the hot electron transport, these experiments indicate anomalous electron stopping near the target surface. These experiments provide a test-bed for studying processes relevant to fast ignition