Laser ion acceleration via control of the near-critical density target
Abstract
Duration-controlled amplified spontaneous emission with an intensity of 1013W/cm2 is used to convert a 7.5-μm -thick polyimide foil into a near-critical plasma, in which the p -polarized, 45-fs , 1019-W/cm2 laser pulse generates 3.8-MeV protons, emitted at some angle between the target normal and the laser propagation direction of 45°. Particle-in-cell simulations reveal that the efficient proton acceleration is due to the generation of a quasistatic magnetic field on the target rear side with magnetic pressure inducing and sustaining a charge separation electrostatic field.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review E
- Pub Date:
- January 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevE.77.016401
- Bibcode:
- 2008PhRvE..77a6401Y
- Keywords:
-
- 52.38.Kd;
- 29.27.Fh;
- Laser-plasma acceleration of electrons and ions;
- Beam characteristics