Study of a High-Energy Proton Beam Produced by Ultra-Intense Pulse Laser

Abstract

To study the characteristics of a high-energy proton beam produced by the interaction between the ultra-intense pulse laser and a composite target, we set up an experiment using the \SILEX-I" laser device. Using the CR39-type nuclear track detector (NTD), HD810-type radiochromic films (RCF), and Thomson ion spectrometer, we measure the density, space distribution, yield, and energy spectrum of the proton beam, which are mainly produced in the normal direction of the target back. The results show that the proton-beam launch direction has nothing to do with the ultra-intense laser pulse incident direction; the proton-beam space distribution is within the disc, silk or ring structure, the launch field angle of the proton beam is small, and the high-energy proton beam has a cut-off energy, which is related to the thickness of the target. These experimental results can provide important parameters and reference for the development of the laser proton imaging and treatment device.