The electromagnetic field structures and transport properties of laser produced relativistic beam electrons propagating through Au+25, Cu+20, Al+10, and C+5 plasma foils are investigated. Simulations show that high plasma resistivity as well as high collision rate of the beam electrons with gold and copper plasmas can hinder the forward motion of the beam electrons inside the targets. However, the beam electrons can propagate for a relatively long distance in aluminum and carbon plasma targets. They are well collimated by the strong self-generated resistive magnetic field, resulting in higher sheath electric fields behind the target. The use of low-Z target material is therefore more efficient for collimating beam electrons as well as generating higher-energy ions.
