Abstract
This paper introduces the first use of laser-generated proton beams as diagnostic for materials of interest in the domain of Cultural Heritage. Using laser-accelerated protons, as generated by interaction of a high-power short-pulse laser with a solid target, we can produce proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopies (PIXE). By correctly tuning the proton flux on the sample, we are able to perform the PIXE in a single shot without provoking more damage to the sample than conventional methodologies. We verify this by experimentally irradiating materials of interest in the Cultural Heritage with laser-accelerated protons and measuring the PIXE emission. The morphological and chemical analysis of the sample before and after irradiation are compared in order to assess the damage provoked to the artifact. Montecarlo simulations confirm that the temperature in the sample stays safely below the melting point. Compared to conventional diagnostic methodologies, laser-driven PIXE has the advantage of being potentially quicker and more efficient.
Highlights
This paper introduces the first use of laser-generated proton beams as diagnostic for materials of interest in the domain of Cultural Heritage
The advantage of using proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopies (PIXE) with respect to other X-ray spectroscopies is that protons, compared to X-rays, can be focused and guided by electrostatic or electromagnetic devices/optics and can be transported over large distances without provoking any loss in the beam intensity
PIXE and PIGE require conventional particle accelerators that are located in dedicated laboratories, since their operation requires particular analysis conditions[10]
Summary
More appropriate lasers for ensuring a broader use of this application are those that are commercially available and have a higher repetition rate[39,40] On those facilities, the integrated number of protons is typically at least one order of magnitude lower than what was obtained on the TITAN laser (see Fig. 1B).
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