Spectral modification of laser-accelerated proton beams by self-generated magnetic fields

A.P.L. Robinson, P. Foster, D. Adams, D.C. Carroll, B. Dromey, S. Hawkes, S. Kar, Y.T. Li, K. Markey, Paul Mckenna, C. Spindloe, M. Streeter, C-G Wahlström, M. H. Xu, M. Zepf, D. Neely

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)
26 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Target normal measurements of proton energy spectra from ultrathin (50-200 nm) planar foil targets irradiated by 10(19) W cm(-2) 40 fs laser pulses exhibit broad maxima that are not present in the energy spectra from micron thickness targets (6 mu m). The proton flux in the peak is considerably greater than the proton flux observed in the same energy range in thicker targets. Numerical modelling of the experiment indicates that this spectral modification in thin targets is caused by magnetic fields that grow at the rear of the target during the laser-target interaction.
Original languageEnglish
Article number83018
Number of pages15
JournalNew Journal of Physics
Volume11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Aug 2009

Keywords

  • plasma interactions
  • solid interactions
  • relativistic ions
  • driven
  • transport
  • foils

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Spectral modification of laser-accelerated proton beams by self-generated magnetic fields'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this