Investigation of Particle Beams from Laser Cone Interactions

Research is being conducted on the advantages of utilizing the geometric properties of a cone for laser material interactions. Specifically the particle beam produced by such interactions is investigated in comparison to those from flat targets. Maximizing the efficiency of conversion of laser energy into a focused proton / ion beam has shown numerous applications including fast ignition fusion, and medical radiology. It has been shown that the converging properties of a cone can assist in increasing the energy and focus of the particle beam, and thus offers serious prospects for future utilization of such beams. Research will be presented on the comparison of particle beams from cones against flat targets. In addition, layers of different materials may help direct electron flow. Recent progress in fabrication of these multi layer targets will be presented as well.

This work was partly supported by NNSA under DOE Cooperative Agreement DE-FC52-06NA27616.