Ultra-intense laser interaction with specially-designed targets as a source of energetic protons

J. Psikal; M. Matys

doi:10.1117/12.2271026

17 May 2017 Ultra-intense laser interaction with specially-designed targets as a source of energetic protons

J. Psikal, M. Matys

Proceedings Volume 10241, Research Using Extreme Light: Entering New Frontiers with Petawatt-Class Lasers III; 102411K (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2271026
Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2017, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

In this contribution, we discuss the optimization of laser driven proton acceleration efficiency by nanostructured targets, interpret the experimental results showing the manipulation of proton beam profiles by nanosctructured rear surface of the targets and investigate the acceleration of protons from hydrogen solid ribbon by PW-class lasers, with the help of multidimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Microstructured hollow targets are proposed to enhance the absorption of the laser pulse energy while keeping the target thickness to minimum, which is both favorable for enhanced efficiency of the acceleration of protons. Thin targets with grating structures of various configurations on their rear sides stretch the proton beams in the perpendicular direction to the grating orientation due to transverse electric fields generated inside the target grooves and can reduce the proton beam divergence in the parallel direction to the grating due to a lower density of the stretched beam compared with flat foils. Finally, it is shown that when multiPW laser pulse interacts with hydrogen solid ribbon, hole boring radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) dominates over the target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA).

Citation Download Citation

J. Psikal and M. Matys "Ultra-intense laser interaction with specially-designed targets as a source of energetic protons", Proc. SPIE 10241, Research Using Extreme Light: Entering New Frontiers with Petawatt-Class Lasers III, 102411K (17 May 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2271026

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