Radiochromic film imaging spectroscopy of laser-accelerated proton beams

F. Nurnberg, M. Schollmeier, E. Brambrink, A. Blazevic, D.C. Carroll, K. Flippo, D.C. Gautier, M. Geissel, P. McKenna

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

179 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article reports on an experimental method to fully reconstruct laser-accelerated proton beam parameters called radiochromic film imaging spectroscopy (RIS). RIS allows for the characterization of proton beams concerning real and virtual source size, envelope- and microdivergence, normalized transverse emittance, phase space, and proton spectrum. This technique requires particular targets and a high resolution proton detector. Therefore thin gold foils with a microgrooved rear side were manufactured and characterized. Calibrated GafChromic radiochromic film (RCF) types MD-55, HS, and HD-810 in stack configuration were used as spatial and energy resolved film detectors. The principle of the RCF imaging spectroscopy was demonstrated at four different laser systems. This can be a method to characterize a laser system with respect to its proton-acceleration capability. In addition, an algorithm to calculate the spatial and energy resolved proton distribution has been developed and tested to get a better idea of laser-accelerated proton beams and their energy deposition with respect to further applications.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)033301
JournalReview of Scientific Instruments
Volume80
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2009

Keywords

  • plasma accelerators
  • proton beams
  • proton detection
  • ion-beams
  • intensity laser
  • solid targets
  • plasma
  • driven
  • generation
  • dosimetry
  • increase
  • pulses

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