Enhancement of monoenergetic proton beamsviacone substrate in high intensity laser pulse-double layer target interactions

Abstract

AbstractA scheme capable of enhancing the energy of monoenergetic protons in high intensity laser-plasma interactions is proposed and demonstrated by two dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. The focusing of laser light pulse and the guiding of surface currentviathe highZmaterial cone-shaped substrate increase the temperature of hot electrons, which are responsible for the electrostatic field accelerating protons. Moreover, the sub-micron proton layer coated on the cone-shaped substrate makes the total proton beam experience the same accelerating field, thus the monochromaticity is maintained. Compared to the normal film double layer target, the energy of monoenergetic proton beams can be improved about three times.