Invited Review Article: "Hands-on" laser-driven ion acceleration: A primer for laser-driven source development and potential applications.

J Schreiber,P R Bolton,K Parodi

doi:10.1063/1.4959198

Abstract

An overview of progress and typical yields from intense laser-plasma acceleration of ions is presented. The evolution of laser-driven ion acceleration at relativistic intensities ushers prospects for improved functionality and diverse applications which can represent a varied assortment of ion beam requirements. This mandates the development of the integrated laser-driven ion accelerator system, the multiple components of which are described. Relevant high field laser-plasma science and design of controlled optimum pulsed laser irradiation on target are dominant single shot (pulse) considerations with aspects that are appropriate to the emerging petawatt era. The pulse energy scaling of maximum ion energies and typical differential spectra obtained over the past two decades provide guidance for continued advancement of laser-driven energetic ion sources and their meaningful applications.

Highlights

The acceleration of ions by means of laser pulses dates back to when lasers became intense enough to ionize matter and create a plasma, a state in which electrons are free and no longer bound to the atomic nuclei
During the past two decades, transfer of laser pulse energy to ion kinetic energy has become more directed, more efficient, and more controlled. This novel ion acceleration in extreme fields begins with the interaction of the tightly focused high power laser pulse with the plasma it has generated at a target site
We initially address here some intense laser pulse issues that are critical to these developments

Summary

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Invited Review Article: “Hands-on” laser-driven ion acceleration: A primer for laser-driven source development and potential applications. The evolution of laser-driven ion acceleration at relativistic intensities ushers prospects for improved functionality and diverse applications which can represent a varied assortment of ion beam requirements. This mandates the development of the integrated laser-driven ion accelerator system, the multiple components of which are described.

INTRODUCTION

CONCLUDING REMARKS