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Abstract
A coated hollow core microsphere is introduced as a novel target in ultra-intense laser-matter interaction experiments. In particular, it facilitates staged laser-driven proton acceleration by combining conventional target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA), power recycling of hot laterally spreading electrons and staging in a very simple and cheap target geometry. During TNSA of protons from one area of the sphere surface, laterally spreading hot electrons form a charge wave. Due to the spherical geometry, this wave refocuses on the opposite side of the sphere, where an opening has been laser micromachined. This leads to a strong transient charge separation field being set up there, which can post-accelerate those TNSA protons passing through the hole at the right time. Experimentally, the feasibility of using such targets is demonstrated. A redistribution is encountered in the experimental proton energy spectra, as predicted by particle-in-cell simulations and attributed to transient fields set up by oscillating currents on the sphere surface.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 013030 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | New Journal of Physics |
Volume | 13 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Jan 2011 |
Keywords
- thin foils
- intensity
- generation
- contrast
- pulses
- beams
- ions
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Dive into the research topics of 'Hollow microspheres as targets for staged laser-driven proton acceleration'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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KEY PHYSICS FOR INERTIAL CONFINEMENT DIAGNOSED BY ION EMISSION
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
1/10/07 → 30/09/11
Project: Research