Suprathermal electron generation and channel formation by an ultrarelativistic laser pulse in an underdense preformed plasma

Relativistic electrons are produced, with energies up to 20 MeV, by the interaction of a high-intensity subpicosecond laser pulse (1 mu m, 300 fs, 10(19) W/cm(2)) with an underdense plasma. Two suprathermal electron populations appear with temperatures of 1 and 3 MeV. In the same conditions, the laser beam transmission is increased up to 20%-30%. We observe both features along with the evidence of laser pulse channeling. A fluid model predicts a strong self-focusing of the pulse. Acceleration in the enhanced laser field seems the most likely mechanism leading to the second electron population.