Effects of laser prepulse on proton generation

D. Batani, R. Jafer, R. Redaelli, R. Dezulian, O. Lundh, F. Lindau, A. Persson, K. Osvay, C.-G. Wahlstrom, D. C. Carroll, P. McKenna, A. Flacco, V. Malka, M. Veltcheva

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Low-intensity laser prepulse ( < 10(13) W/cm(2), ns duration) are a major issue in experiments on laser-generation of protons, often limiting the performances of proton sources produced by high-intensity lasers (approximate to 10(19) W/cm(2), ps or fs duration)

Several effects are associated to the prepulse and are discussed in this contribution:

i) Destruction of thin foil targets by the shock generated by the laser prepulse

ii) Creation of preplasma on target front side affecting laser absorption

iii) Deformation of target rear side

iv) Whole displacement of thin foil targets affecting focusing condition

In particular, we show that under oblique high-intensity irradiation and for low prepulse intensities, the proton beam is directed away from the target normal. Deviation is towards the laser forward direction, with an angle that increases with the level and duration of the ASE pedestal. Also, for a given laser pulse, beam deviation increases with proton energy.

The observations are discussed in terms of Target Normal Sheath Acceleration, in combination with a laser-controllable shock wave locally deforming the target surface. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)76-82
Number of pages7
JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Volume620
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2010
EventCOULOMB Workshop on Ions Acceleration with High Power Lasers - Senigallia, Italy
Duration: 15 Jun 200918 Jun 2009

Keywords

  • proton generation
  • shock
  • laser absorption
  • prepulse
  • high-pressure phase diagram
  • acceleration

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