Six MeV proton acceleration from plasma generated by high-intensity laser using advanced thin polyethylene targets

0543958 - ÚJF 2022 RIV DE eng J - Journal Article
Torrisi, L. - Cutroneo, Mariapompea - Torrisi, A.
Six MeV proton acceleration from plasma generated by high-intensity laser using advanced thin polyethylene targets.
Contributions to Plasma Physics. Roč. 61, č. 8 (2021), č. článku 202100024. ISSN 0863-1042. E-ISSN 1521-3986
Institutional support: RVO:61389005
Keywords : ion acceleration * laser-plasma * polyethylene * SiC detector TNSA
OECD category: Atomic, molecular and chemical physics (physics of atoms and molecules including collision, interaction with radiation, magnetic resonances, Mössbauer effect)
Impact factor: 1.608, year: 2021
Method of publishing: Limited access
https://doi.org/10.1002/ctpp.202100024

Proton acceleration can be induced by non-equilibrium plasma developed by high-intensity laser pulses, at 10(16) W/cm(2), irradiating different types of thin polyethylene targets. The process of proton acceleration and directive yield emission was investigated, optimizing the laser parameters, the irradiation conditions, and the target properties. The use of 600 J pulse energy, a laser focalization inducing self-focusing effects and advanced targets with embedded nanoparticles and optimal thicknesses, has permitted to accelerate forward protons up to the energies of about 6 MeV and amount of the order of 10(15) H+/pulse. High proton energy is obtained using thin foils enriched with gold nanoparticles, whereas high proton yield is obtained using targets with a thickness of about 10 mu m. The plasma diagnostics using SiC semiconductor detectors in time-of-flight configuration was fundamental to monitor the optimal conditions to improve the plasma processes concerning the ion acceleration and the X-ray and relativistic electron emission.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0321868