Targets with cone-shaped microstructures from various materials for enhanced high-intensity laser–matter interaction

Tina Ebert,Torsten Abel,Markus Roth,René Heber,Gabriel Schaumann,Johannes Bieker

doi:10.1017/hpl.2021.10

Abstract

Abstract Targets with microstructured front surfaces have shown great potential in improving high-intensity laser–matter interaction. We present cone-shaped microstructures made out of silicon and titanium created by ultrashort laser pulse processing with different characteristics. In addition, we illustrate a process chain based on moulding to recreate the laser-processed samples out of polydimethylsiloxane, polystyrol and copper. With all described methods, samples of large sizes can be manufactured, therefore allowing time-efficient, cost-reduced and reliable ways to fabricate large quantities of identical targets.

Highlights

Recent studies have shown that targets with nanostructured and microstructured front surfaces are capable of enhancing the output of high-intensity laser-based X-ray and particle sources[1,2,3,4]
Newly developed laser systems are capable of repetition rates of several kilohertz[5], and along with this advancement the demand for large quantities of identical targets increases[6]
This paper describes experimental procedures to fabricate silicon, titanium, PDMS, polystyrol (PS) and copper microstructures as well as layered targets based on structured silicon wafers

Summary

Introduction

Recent studies have shown that targets with nanostructured and microstructured front surfaces are capable of enhancing the output of high-intensity laser-based X-ray and particle sources[1,2,3,4]. This is mostly attributed to the highly lightabsorbing properties of these structures, as well as a change in terms of electron heating mechanisms. By transferring more energy from the laser into the target the conversion efficiency is improved, which is especially important for smaller laser systems. There are several methods available for fabrication including etching, twophoton polymerisation, laser processing, pulsed laser depo-

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion