Abstract
We present a novel laser-based ion acceleration scheme, where a petawatt circularly polarized laser pulse is shot on an ultra-thin (nano-scale) double-layer target. Our scheme allows the production of high-quality light ion beams with both energy and angular dispersion controllable by the target properties. We show that extraction of all electrons from the target by radiation pressure can lead to a very effective two-step acceleration process for light ions if the target is correctly designed. Relativistic protons are predicted with pulse powers of a few petawatts. Careful analytical modeling yields estimates for characteristic beam parameters and requirements on the laser pulse quality, in excellent agreement with one- and two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations.
Highlights
Different proposals have been made on how to control the ion beam energy dispersion: - Using species targets [1,2], - Radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) [3]
At the target front side, the equilibrium between electrostatic pressure Πe.s. = (Z n d)2/2 and ΠL lead to creation of a piston
We present a novel laser based ion acceleration mechanism. It allows the generation of high-quality light ion beams with properties controllable by carefull target design
Summary
Many applications (such as hadron-therapy) require ion beams with well-controlled properties. Generation of high-energy, quasi-monochromatic, ion beams requires to go beyond (classical) TNSA. Different proposals have been made on how to control the ion beam energy dispersion: - Using species targets (especially double layer targets) [1,2], - Radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) [3]. [1] Esirkepov et al, PRL 89, 175003 (2002); Fourkal et al, PRE 71, 036412 (2005); Bulanov et al, PRE 78, 026412 (2008). [2] Schwoerer et al, Nature 439, 445 (2006); Hegelich et al, Nature 439, 441 (2006); Ter-Avetisyan et al, Phys. [3] Zhang et al, Phys. 10, 013021 (2008); Klimo et al, Phys.
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