Abstract
Using the example of the PHELIX high-energy short pulse laser we discuss the technical preconditions to investigate ion acceleration with submicrometer thick targets. We show how the temporal contrast of this system was improved to prevent pre-ionization of such targets on the nanosecond timescale. Furthermore the influence of typical fluctuations or uncertainties of the on-target intensity on ion acceleration experiments is discussed. We report how these uncertainties were reduced by improving the assessment and control of the on-shot intensity and by optimizing the positioning of the target into the focal plane. Finally we report on experimental results showing maximum proton energies in excess of 85 MeV for ion acceleration via the target normal sheath acceleration mechanism using target thicknesses on the order of one micrometer.
Highlights
IntroductionLaser-driven ion acceleration is an important application of high-power laser facilities
Laser-driven ion acceleration using ultrathin targetsLaser-driven ion acceleration is an important application of high-power laser facilities
We report on experimental results showing maximum proton energies in excess of 85 MeV for ion acceleration via the target normal sheath acceleration mechanism using target thicknesses on the order of one micrometer
Summary
Laser-driven ion acceleration is an important application of high-power laser facilities. One of the main goals is to increase the conversion efficiency from laser energy to the accelerated ions and in doing so increase the particle flux and maximum ion energy This is important for several proposed applications, e.g., medical treatment[1], generation of energetic neutron beams[2] and fast ignition in the frame of inertial confinement fusion[3]. High-energy Nd:glass laser systems suffer from strong beam aberrations because of the large used optics and the poor thermal properties of glass Such aberrations are complicated to handle and besides restraining the intensity they add an uncertainty to the assessment of the achieved intensity which is an issue for the interpretation of experimental results. We discuss our recent experimental observation of maximum proton energies in excess of 85 MeV by laser-driven ion acceleration via the TNSA mechanism[11]
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