Abstract
The interaction of high-intensity laser pulses with solid targets can be used as a highly charged, energetic heavy ion source. Normally, intrinsic contaminants on the target surface suppress the performance of heavy ion acceleration from a high-intensity laser–target interaction, resulting in preferential proton acceleration. Here, we demonstrate that CW laser heating of 5 µm titanium tape targets can remove contaminant hydrocarbons in order to expose a thin oxide layer on the metal surface, ideal for the generation of energetic oxygen beams. This is demonstrated by irradiating the heated targets with a PW class high-power laser at an intensity of 5 × 1021 W/cm2, showing enhanced acceleration of oxygen ions with a non-thermal-like distribution. Our new scheme using a CW laser-heated Ti tape target is promising for use as a moderate repetition energetic oxygen ion source for future applications.
Highlights
Pettawatt (PW) class high-power lasers can achieve peak focal intensities of over 1021 W/cm2 [1].The interaction of high-intensity lasers with matter allows us to investigate underlying physics in intense electromagnetic fields [2] and to produce highly energetic ions [3,4], electrons [5,6], electromagnetic radiation such as x-rays [7], and high-energy density states [8]
A Thomson Parabola (TP) spectrometer was used to diagnose ions accelerated in the target an energy range from the detectable minimum energy, which is determined by the micro channel plate (MCP) size, to the normal direction
We have shown the development of a target suitable for efficient oxygen acceleration from high-intensity laser irradiation
Summary
Pettawatt (PW) class high-power lasers can achieve peak focal intensities of over 1021 W/cm2 [1]. -called Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) [15] of ions from the interaction of a high-power laser with a thin-foil solid target has been widely investigated and demonstrated to produce stable beams with low transverse emittance [16], and relatively uniform transverse spatial distribution [17]. In TNSA, fast electrons with typically > MeV energies are efficiently accelerated by the high-intensity laser, and propagate from the target irradiation side to the rear side of the foil where they generate a strong charge separation, called sheath field. This strong sheath field can accelerate the ions at the target surface. Our findings are a step forward towards the efficient generation of energetic oxygen beams from a laser-driven ion source in moderate repetition rate
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
