Abstract
Ion beam analysis techniques are among the most powerful tools for advanced materials characterization. Despite their growing relevance in a widening number of fields, most ion beam analysis facilities still rely on the oldest accelerator technologies, with severe limitations in terms of portability and flexibility. In this work we thoroughly address the potential of superintense laser-driven proton sources for this application. We develop a complete analytical and numerical framework suitable to describe laser-driven ion beam analysis, exemplifying the approach for Proton Induced X-ray/Gamma-ray emission, a technique of widespread interest. This allows us to propose a realistic design for a compact, versatile ion beam analysis facility based on this novel concept. These results can pave the way for ground-breaking developments in the field of hadron-based advanced materials characterization.
Highlights
Materials characterization is of crucial importance for basic research as well as for a wide number of applications, ranging from virtually every field of advanced technology to cultural heritage purposes
In this work we demonstrate the full potential of laser-driven ion sources for Ion Beam Analysis (IBA), by means of a detailed theoretical-numerical investigation of a interesting technique: Proton Induced X-ray/Gamma-ray Emission, PIXE/PIGE
We discuss the results of the three scenarios described in the previous section: PIXE analysis of a metallic homogeneous sample, differential PIXE analysis of a metallic non-homogeneous sample and differential PIXE analysis of a painting
Summary
Materials characterization is of crucial importance for basic research as well as for a wide number of applications, ranging from virtually every field of advanced technology to cultural heritage purposes. IBA has found use in an impressive number of applications[3], including biomedical elemental analysis[4], semiconductor industry[5], cultural heritage studies[6], forensic analysis[7], and nuclear fusion research[8]. The appeal of these techniques is due to their non-destructive nature and their unparalleled detection capabilities. Laser-driven ion accelerators for IBA offer a concrete route for increased flexibility and more compact, cheaper systems with reduced radioprotection concerns, which could revolutionize the entire field.
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