Abstract
Abstract Carbon nanotube foams (CNFs) have been successfully used as near-critical-density targets in the laser-driven acceleration of high-energy ions and electrons. Here we report the recent advances in the fabrication technique of such targets. With the further developed floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) method, large-area ( $>25\kern0.5em {\mathrm{cm}}^2$ ) and highly uniform CNFs are successfully deposited on nanometer-thin metal or plastic foils as double-layer targets. The density and thickness of the CNF can be controlled in the range of $1{-}13\kern0.5em \mathrm{mg}/{\mathrm{cm}}^3$ and $10{-}200\kern0.5em \mu \mathrm{m}$ , respectively, by varying the synthesis parameters. The dependence of the target properties on the synthesis parameters and the details of the target characterization methods are presented for the first time.
Highlights
Ultra-intense laser interacting with plasma is a rapidly developing field attracting much attention
The Carbon nanotube foams (CNFs) were synthesized through the floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) method
The prototype FCCVD system used for the synthesis of CNFs is composed of a high-temperature furnace, a gas delivery system, a heating unit for catalyst, and a quartz tube
Summary
Ultra-intense laser interacting with plasma is a rapidly developing field attracting much attention. Ionized by the pre-pulses or the rising edge of the main pulse, foam targets can evolve into plasma with electron density around the critical density (nc = mω2ε0/e2) Such near-critical-density (NCD) targets have significantly higher laser–plasma coupling efficiency as compared with gas and solid targets. Ultrathin plastic or metal foils cannot be used as the substrates to deposit CNF owing to their low melting temperature, which limits its applications in laser-driven super-heavy ion acceleration. The improved synthesis methods enable the fabrication of large-area and uniform CNFs as free-standing films or the deposition of CNFs on nanometer-thin plastic and metal foils, which significantly widens the application range of the CNF targets in laser–plasma experiments
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
