Search

Your search keyword '"Treffert, F."' showing total 48 results
Start Over Author "Treffert, F."
48 results on '"Treffert, F."'

1. Automated control and optimisation of laser driven ion acceleration

Author

Loughran, B., Streeter, M. J. V., Ahmed, H., Astbury, S., Balcazar, M., Borghesi, M., Bourgeois, N., Curry, C. B., Dann, S. J. D., DiIorio, S., Dover, N. P., Dzelzanis, T., Ettlinger, O. C., Gauthier, M., Giuffrida, L., Glenn, G. D., Glenzer, S. H., Green, J. S., Gray, R. J., Hicks, G. S., Hyland, C., Istokskaia, V., King, M., Margarone, D., McCusker, O., McKenna, P., Najmudin, Z., Parisuaña, C., Parsons, P., Spindloe, C., Symes, D. R., Thomas, A. G. R., Treffert, F., Xu, N., and Palmer, C. A. J.

Subjects
Physics - Plasma Physics, Computer Science - Machine Learning, Physics - Accelerator Physics, Physics - Computational Physics
Abstract

The interaction of relativistically intense lasers with opaque targets represents a highly non-linear, multi-dimensional parameter space. This limits the utility of sequential 1D scanning of experimental parameters for the optimisation of secondary radiation, although to-date this has been the accepted methodology due to low data acquisition rates. High repetition-rate (HRR) lasers augmented by machine learning present a valuable opportunity for efficient source optimisation. Here, an automated, HRR-compatible system produced high fidelity parameter scans, revealing the influence of laser intensity on target pre-heating and proton generation. A closed-loop Bayesian optimisation of maximum proton energy, through control of the laser wavefront and target position, produced proton beams with equivalent maximum energy to manually-optimized laser pulses but using only 60% of the laser energy. This demonstration of automated optimisation of laser-driven proton beams is a crucial step towards deeper physical insight and the construction of future radiation sources., Comment: 11 pages

Published
2023

3. Laser-driven neutron source from high temperature D-D fusion reactions

Author

Jiao, Xuejing, Curry, C., Gauthier, M., Fiuza, F., Kim, J., McCary, E., Labun, L., Labun, O. Z., Schoenwaelder, C., Roycroft, R., Tiwari, G., Glenn, G., Treffert, F., Ditmire, T., Glenzer, S., and Hegelich, B. M.

Subjects
Physics - Plasma Physics
Abstract

We report a laser-driven neutron source with high yield ($>10^8$/J) and high peak flux ($>10^{25}$/cm$^2$/s) derived from high-temperature deuteron-deuteron fusion reactions. The neutron yield and the fusion temperature ($\sim 200$ keV) in our experiment are respectively two orders of magnitude and one order of magnitude higher than any previous laser-induced D-D fusion reaction. The high-temperature plasma is generated from thin ($\sim 2\,\mu$m), solid-density deuterium targets, produced by a cryogenic jet, irradiated by a 140 fs, 130 J petawatt laser with an F/3 off-axis parabola and a plasma mirror achieving fast volumetric heating of the target. The fusion temperature and neutron fluxes achieved here suggest future laser experiments can take advantage of neutrons to diagnose the plasma conditions and come closer to laboratory study of astrophysically-relevant nuclear physics., Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures

Published
2020

4. Design and Implementation of a Thomson Parabola for Fluence Dependent Energy-Loss Measurements at the Neutralized Drift Compression eXperiment

Author

Treffert, F., Ji, Q., Seidl, P. A., Persaud, A., Ludewigt, B., Barnard, J. J., Friedman, A., Grote, D. P., Gilson, E. P., Kaganovich, I. D., Stepanov, A., Roth, M., and Schenkel, T.

Subjects
Physics - Instrumentation and Detectors
Abstract

The interaction of ion beams with matter includes the investigation of the basic principles of ion stopping in heated materials. An unsolved question is the effect of different, especially higher, ion beam fluences on ion stopping in solid targets. This is relevant in applications such as in fusion sciences. To address this question, a Thomson parabola was built for the Neutralized Drift Compression eXperiment (NDCX-II) for ion energy-loss measurements at different ion beam fluences. The linear induction accelerator NDCX-II delivers 2 ns short, intense ion pulses, up to several tens of nC/pulse, or 10$^{10}$-10$^{11}$ ions, with a peak kinetic energy of ~1.1 MeV and a minimal spot size of 2 mm FWHM. For this particular accelerator the energy determination with conventional beam diagnostics, for example, time of flight measurements, is imprecise due to the non-trivial longitudinal phase space of the beam. In contrast, a Thomson parabola is well suited to reliably determine the beam energy distribution. The Thomson parabola differentiates charged particles by energy and charge-to-mass ratio, through deflection of charged particles by electric and magnetic fields. During first proof-of-principle experiments, we achieved to reproduce the average initial helium beam energy as predicted by computer simulations with a deviation of only 1.4 %. Successful energy-loss measurements with 1 {\mu}m thick Silicon Nitride foils show the suitability of the accelerator for such experiments. The initial ion energy was determined during a primary measurement without a target, while a second measurement, incorporating the target, was used to determine the transmitted energy. The energy-loss was then determined as the difference between the two energies.

Published
2018
Full Text
View/download PDF

5. Irradiation of Materials with Short, Intense Ion pulses at NDCX-II

Author

Seidl, P. A., Ji, Q., Persaud, A., Feinberg, E., Ludewigt, B., Silverman, M., Sulyman, A., Waldron, W. L., Schenkel, T., Barnard, J. J., Friedman, A., Grote, D. P., Gilson, E. P., Kaganovich, I. D., Stepanov, A. D., Treffert, F., and Zimmer, M.

Subjects
Physics - Accelerator Physics, Physics - Plasma Physics
Abstract

We present an overview of the performance of the Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment-II (NDCX-II) accelerator at Berkeley Lab, and report on recent target experiments on beam driven melting and transmission ion energy loss measurements with nanosecond and millimeter-scale ion beam pulses and thin tin foils. Bunches with around 10^11 ions, 1-mm radius, and 2-30 ns FWHM duration have been created with corresponding fluences in the range of 0.1 to 0.7 J/cm^2. To achieve these short pulse durations and mm-scale focal spot radii, the 1.1 MeV He+ ion beam is neutralized in a drift compression section, which removes the space charge defocusing effect during final compression and focusing. The beam space charge and drift compression techniques resemble necessary beam conditions and manipulations in heavy ion inertial fusion accelerators. Quantitative comparison of detailed particle-in-cell simulations with the experiment play an important role in optimizing accelerator performance., Comment: 15 pages, 7 figures. revised manuscript submitted to Laser and Particle Beams

Published
2017
Full Text
View/download PDF

6. Design and implementation of a Thomson parabola for fluence dependent energy-loss measurements at the Neutralized Drift Compression eXperiment

Author

Treffert, F, Ji, Q, Seidl, PA, Persaud, A, Ludewigt, B, Barnard, JJ, Friedman, A, Grote, DP, Gilson, EP, Kaganovich, ID, Stepanov, A, Roth, M, and Schenkel, T

Subjects
Nuclear and Plasma Physics, Synchrotrons and Accelerators, Physical Sciences, Bioengineering, Affordable and Clean Energy, Chemical Sciences, Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemical sciences, Physical sciences
Abstract

The interaction of ion beams with matter includes the investigation of the basic principles of ion stopping in heated materials. An unsolved question is the effect of different, especially higher, ion beam fluences on ion stopping in solid targets. This is relevant in applications such as in fusion sciences. To address this question, a Thomson parabola was built for the Neutralized Drift Compression eXperiment (NDCX-II) for ion energy-loss measurements at different ion beam fluences. The linear induction accelerator NDCX-II delivers 2 ns short, intense ion pulses, up to several tens of nC/pulse, or 1010-1011 ions, with a peak kinetic energy of ∼1.1 MeV and a minimal spot size of 2 mm FWHM. For this particular accelerator, the energy determination with conventional beam diagnostics, for example, time of flight measurements, is imprecise due to the non-trivial longitudinal phase space of the beam. In contrast, a Thomson parabola is well suited to reliably determine the beam energy distribution. The Thomson parabola differentiates charged particles by energy and charge-to-mass ratio, through deflection of charged particles by electric and magnetic fields. During first proof-of-principle experiments, we achieved to reproduce the average initial helium beam energy as predicted by computer simulations with a deviation of only 1.4%. Successful energy-loss measurements with 1 μm thick silicon nitride foils show the suitability of the accelerator for such experiments. The initial ion energy was determined during a primary measurement without a target, while a second measurement, incorporating the target, was used to determine the transmitted energy. The energy-loss was then determined as the difference between the two energies.

Published
2018

7. Recent Experiments At Ndcx-II: Irradiation Of Materials Using Short, Intense Ion Beams

Author

Seidl, P. A., Ji, Q., Persaud, A., Feinberg, E., Ludewigt, B., Silverman, M., Sulyman, A., Waldron, W. L., Schenkel, T., Barnard, J. J., Friedman, A., Grote, D. P., Gilson, E. P., Kaganovich, I. D., Stepanov, A., Treffert, F., and Zimmer, M.

Subjects
Physics - Accelerator Physics
Abstract

We present an overview of the performance of the Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment-II (NDCX-II) accelerator at Berkeley Lab, and summarize recent studies of material properties created with nanosecond and millimeter-scale ion beam pulses. The scientific topics being explored include the dynamics of ion induced damage in materials, materials synthesis far from equilibrium, warm dense matter and intense beam-plasma physics. We summarize the improved accelerator performance, diagnostics and results of beam-induced irradiation of thin samples of, e.g., tin and silicon. Bunches with over 3x10^10 ions, 1- mm radius, and 2-30 ns FWHM duration have been created. To achieve these short pulse durations and mm-scale focal spot radii, the 1.2 MeV He+ ion beam is neutralized in a drift compression section which removes the space charge defocusing effect during final compression and focusing. Quantitative comparison of detailed particle-in-cell simulations with the experiment play an important role in optimizing accelerator performance; these keep pace with the accelerator repetition rate of ~1/minute., Comment: Submitted to the 2016 North American Particle Accelerator Conference (NAPAC16). Proceedings to be published at http://jacow.org/

Published
2016

8. Irradiation of materials with short, intense ion pulses at NDCX-II

Author

Seidl, PA, Barnard, JJ, Feinberg, E, Friedman, A, Gilson, EP, Grote, DP, Ji, Q, Kaganovich, ID, Ludewigt, B, Persaud, A, Sierra, C, Silverman, M, Stepanov, AD, Sulyman, A, Treffert, F, Waldron, WL, Zimmer, M, and Schenkel, T

Subjects
Nuclear and Plasma Physics, Synchrotrons and Accelerators, Physical Sciences, Fusion energy, Induction accelerator, Materials, Radiation damage, Space charge, Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics, Optoelectronics & Photonics, Atomic, molecular and optical physics, Nuclear and plasma physics
Abstract

We present an overview of the performance of the Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment-II (NDCX-II) accelerator at Berkeley Lab, and report on recent target experiments on beam-driven melting and transmission ion energy loss measurements with nanosecond and millimeter-scale ion beam pulses and thin tin foils. Bunches with around 1011 ions, 1 mm radius, and 2-30 ns full width at half maximum duration have been created with corresponding fluences in the range of 0.1-0.7 J/cm2. To achieve these short pulse durations and mm-scale focal spot radii, the 1.1 MeV [megaelectronvolt (106 eV)] He+ ion beam is neutralized in a drift compression section, which removes the space charge defocusing effect during final compression and focusing. The beam space charge and drift compression techniques resemble necessary beam conditions and manipulations in heavy ion inertial fusion accelerators. Quantitative comparison of detailed particle-in-cell simulations with the experiment plays an important role in optimizing accelerator performance.

Published
2017

10. Recent Experiments At Ndcx-II: Irradiation Of Materials Using Short, Intense Ion Beams

Author

Seidl, PA, Ji, Q, Persaud, A, Feinberg, E, Ludewigt, B, Silverman, M, Sulyman, A, Waldron, WL, Schenkel, T, Barnard, JJ, Friedman, A, Grote, DP, Gilson, EP, Kaganovich, ID, Stepanov, A, Treffert, F, and Zimmer, M

Subjects
physics.acc-ph
Abstract

We present an overview of the performance of the Neutralized DriftCompression Experiment-II (NDCX-II) accelerator at Berkeley Lab, and summarizerecent studies of material properties created with nanosecond andmillimeter-scale ion beam pulses. The scientific topics being explored includethe dynamics of ion induced damage in materials, materials synthesis far fromequilibrium, warm dense matter and intense beam-plasma physics. We summarizethe improved accelerator performance, diagnostics and results of beam-inducedirradiation of thin samples of, e.g., tin and silicon. Bunches with over3x10^10 ions, 1- mm radius, and 2-30 ns FWHM duration have been created. Toachieve these short pulse durations and mm-scale focal spot radii, the 1.2 MeVHe+ ion beam is neutralized in a drift compression section which removes thespace charge defocusing effect during final compression and focusing.Quantitative comparison of detailed particle-in-cell simulations with theexperiment play an important role in optimizing accelerator performance; thesekeep pace with the accelerator repetition rate of ~1/minute.

Published
2016

12. Versatile tape-drive target for high-repetition-rate laser-driven proton acceleration – CORRIGENDUM

Author

Xu, N., Streeter, M. J.V., Ettlinger, O. C., Ahmed, H., Astbury, S., Borghesi, M., Bourgeois, N., Curry, C. B., Dann, S. J.D., Dover, N. P., Dzelzainis, T., Istokskaia, V., Gauthier, M., Giuffrida, L., Glenn, G. D., Glenzer, S. H., Gray, R. J., Green, J. S., Hicks, G. S., Hyland, C., King, M., Loughran, B., Margarone, D., McCusker, O., McKenna, P., Parisuaña, C., Parsons, P., Spindloe, C., Symes, D. R., Treffert, F., Palmer, C. A.J., and Najmudin, Z.

Subjects
Nuclear and High Energy Physics, Nuclear Energy and Engineering, Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Abstract

The authors apologise that upon publication of this article the wrong copyright creative commons licence type was selected as a NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence. This has been updated to the correct licence which is listed in full below:.

Published
2023

13. Transient Laser-Induced Breakdown of Dielectrics in Ultrarelativistic Laser-Solid Interactions

Author

Bernert, C, Bernert, C, Assenbaum, S, Bock, S, Brack, FE, Cowan, TE, Curry, CB, Garten, M, Gaus, L, Gauthier, M, Gebhardt, R, Göde, S, Glenzer, SH, Helbig, U, Kluge, T, Kraft, S, Kroll, F, Obst-Huebl, L, Püschel, T, Rehwald, M, Schlenvoigt, HP, Schoenwaelder, C, Schramm, U, Treffert, F, Vescovi, M, Ziegler, T, Zeil, K, Bernert, C, Bernert, C, Assenbaum, S, Bock, S, Brack, FE, Cowan, TE, Curry, CB, Garten, M, Gaus, L, Gauthier, M, Gebhardt, R, Göde, S, Glenzer, SH, Helbig, U, Kluge, T, Kraft, S, Kroll, F, Obst-Huebl, L, Püschel, T, Rehwald, M, Schlenvoigt, HP, Schoenwaelder, C, Schramm, U, Treffert, F, Vescovi, M, Ziegler, T, and Zeil, K

Abstract

For high-intensity laser-solid interactions, the absolute density and surface density gradients of the target at the arrival of the ultrarelativistic laser peak are critical parameters. Accurate modeling of the leading edge-driven target preexpansion is desired to strengthen the predictive power of associated computer simulations. The transition from an initial solid state to a plasma state, i.e., the breakdown of the solid, defines the starting point of the subsequent target preexpansion. In this work, we report on the time-resolved observation of transient laser-induced breakdown (LIB) during the leading edge of high-intensity petawatt-class laser pulses with peak intensities of up to 5.7×1021W/cm2 in interaction with dielectric cryogenic hydrogen jet targets. LIB occurs much earlier than what is typically expected following the concept of barrier suppression ionization. The observation is explained by comparing a characterization study of target-specific LIB thresholds with laser contrast measurements. The results demonstrate the relevance of the laser pulse duration dependence of LIB for high-intensity laser-solid interactions. We provide an effective approach to determine the onset of LIB and thereby the starting point of target preexpansion in other laser-target systems.

Published
2023

14. High deuteron and neutron yields from the interaction of a petawatt laser with a cryogenic deuterium jet

Author

Jiao, X., Curry, C. B., Gauthier, M., Chou, H.-G. J., Fiuza, F., Kim, J. B., Phan, D. D., McCary, E., Galtier, E. C., Dyer, G. M., Ofori-Okai, B. K., Labun, L., Labun, O. Z., Schoenwaelder, C., Roycroft, R., Tiwari, G., Glenn, G. D., Treffert, F., Glenzer, S. H., Hegelich, B. M., Jiao, X., Curry, C. B., Gauthier, M., Chou, H.-G. J., Fiuza, F., Kim, J. B., Phan, D. D., McCary, E., Galtier, E. C., Dyer, G. M., Ofori-Okai, B. K., Labun, L., Labun, O. Z., Schoenwaelder, C., Roycroft, R., Tiwari, G., Glenn, G. D., Treffert, F., Glenzer, S. H., and Hegelich, B. M.

Abstract

A compact high-flux, short-pulse neutron source would have applications from nuclear astrophysics to cancer therapy. Laser-driven neutron sources can achieve fluxes much higher than spallation and reactor neutron sources by reducing the volume and time in which the neutron-producing reactions occur by orders of magnitude. We report progress towards an efficient laser-driven neutron source in experiments with a cryogenic deuterium jet on the Texas Petawatt laser. Neutrons were produced both by laser-accelerated multi-MeV deuterons colliding with Be and mixed metallic catchers and by d (d,n)³He fusion reactions within the jet. We observed deuteron yields of 10¹³/shot in quasi-Maxwellian distributions carrying ∼ 8 − 10 % of the input laser energy. We obtained neutron yields greater than 10¹⁰/shot and found indications of a deuteron-deuteron fusion neutron source with high peak flux (> 10²² cm⁻² s⁻¹). The estimated fusion neutron yield in our experiment is one order of magnitude higher than any previous laser-induced dd fusion reaction. Though many technical challenges will have to be overcome to convert this proof-of-principle experiment into a consistent ultra-high flux neutron source, the neutron fluxes achieved here suggest laser-driven neutron sources can support laboratory study of the rapid neutron-capture process, which is otherwise thought to occur only in astrophysical sites such as core-collapse supernova, and binary neutron star mergers.

Published
2023

15. Ultra-short pulse laser acceleration of protons to 80 MeV from cryogenic hydrogen jets tailored to near-critical density

Author

(0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., (0000-0002-6928-2048) Assenbaum, S., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-8258-3881) Bussmann, M., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-1184-2097) Huang, L., Huebl, A., Kim, J. B., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., Miethlinger, T., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., Obst-Huebl, L., (0000-0003-4962-2153) Reimold, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Yang, L., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., (0000-0002-6928-2048) Assenbaum, S., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-8258-3881) Bussmann, M., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-1184-2097) Huang, L., Huebl, A., Kim, J. B., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., Miethlinger, T., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., Obst-Huebl, L., (0000-0003-4962-2153) Reimold, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Yang, L., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., and (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K.

Abstract

Laser plasma-based particle accelerators attract great interest in fields where conventional accelerators reach limits based on size, cost or beam parameters. Despite the fact that particle in cell simulations have predicted several advantageous ion acceleration schemes, laser accelerators have not yet reached their full potential in producing simultaneous high-radiation doses at high particle energies. The most stringent limitation is the lack of a suitable high-repetition rate target that also provides a high degree of control of the plasma conditions required to access these advanced regimes. Here, we demonstrate that the interaction of petawatt-class laser pulses with a pre-formed micrometer-sized cryogenic hydrogen jet plasma overcomes these limitations enabling tailored density scans from the solid to the underdense regime. Our proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates that the near-critical plasma density profile produces proton energies of up to 80 MeV. Based on hydrodynamic and three-dimensional particle in cell simulations, transition between different acceleration schemes are shown, suggesting enhanced proton acceleration at the relativistic transparency front for the optimal case.

Published
2023

16. Transient Laser-Induced Breakdown of Dielectrics in Ultrarelativistic Laser-Solid Interactions

Author

(0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., (0000-0002-1919-8585) Bock, S., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Gebhardt, R., GöDe, S., Glenzer, S. H., Helbig, U., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., Obst-Huebl, L., (0000-0002-4738-6436) Püschel, T., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., Treffert, F., Vescovi Pinochet, M. A., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., (0000-0002-1919-8585) Bock, S., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Gebhardt, R., GöDe, S., Glenzer, S. H., Helbig, U., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., Obst-Huebl, L., (0000-0002-4738-6436) Püschel, T., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., Treffert, F., Vescovi Pinochet, M. A., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., and (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K.

Abstract

For high-intensity laser-solid interactions, the absolute density and surface density gradients of the target at the arrival of the ultra-relativistic laser peak are critical parameters. Accurate modeling of the leading edge-driven target pre-expansion is desired to strengthen the predictive power of associated computer simulations. The transition from an initial solid state to a plasma state, i.e., the breakdown of the solid, defines the starting point of the subsequent target pre-expansion. In this work, we report on the time-resolved observation of transient laser-induced breakdown (LIB) during the leading edge of high-intensity petawatt-class laser pulses with peak intensities of up to 5.7 × 10^21 W/cm^2 in interaction with dielectric cryogenic hydrogen jet targets. LIB occurs much earlier than what is typically expected following the concept of barrier suppression ionization. The observation is explained by comparing a characterization study of target specific LIB thresholds with laser contrast measurements. The results demonstrate the relevance of the laser pulse duration dependence of LIB for high-intensity laser-solid interactions. We provide an effective approach to determine the onset of LIB and thereby the starting point of target pre-expansion in other laser-target systems.

Published
2023

17. Source Data: Ultra-short pulse laser acceleration of protons to 80 MeV from cryogenic hydrogen jets tailored to near-critical density

Author

(0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., (0000-0002-6928-2048) Assenbaum, S., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-8258-3881) Bussmann, M., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., (0000-0002-8502-5535) Fiuza, F., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., (0000-0001-6608-9325) Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., (0000-0001-9112-0558) Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-1184-2097) Huang, L., (0000-0003-1943-7141) Huebl, A., Kim, J. B., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., Miethlinger, T., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., (0000-0001-9236-8037) Obst-Huebl, L., (0000-0003-4962-2153) Reimold, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., (0000-0002-6181-4054) Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., (0000-0003-1277-4241) Treffert, F., Yang, L., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., (0000-0002-6928-2048) Assenbaum, S., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-8258-3881) Bussmann, M., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., (0000-0002-8502-5535) Fiuza, F., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., (0000-0001-6608-9325) Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., (0000-0001-9112-0558) Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-1184-2097) Huang, L., (0000-0003-1943-7141) Huebl, A., Kim, J. B., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., Miethlinger, T., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., (0000-0001-9236-8037) Obst-Huebl, L., (0000-0003-4962-2153) Reimold, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., (0000-0002-6181-4054) Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., (0000-0003-1277-4241) Treffert, F., Yang, L., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., and (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K.

Abstract

Data for all figures of publication: " Ultra-short pulse laser acceleration of protons to 80 MeV from cryogenic hydrogen jets tailored to near-critical density". The folder structure is adapted to match the figures in the publication.

Published
2023

18. High deuteron and neutron yields from the interaction of a petawatt laser with a cryogenic deuterium jet

Author

Jiao, X., primary, Curry, C. B., additional, Gauthier, M., additional, Chou, H.-G. J., additional, Fiuza, F., additional, Kim, J. B., additional, Phan, D. D., additional, McCary, E., additional, Galtier, E. C., additional, Dyer, G. M., additional, Ofori-Okai, B. K., additional, Labun, L., additional, Labun, O. Z., additional, Schoenwaelder, C., additional, Roycroft, R., additional, Tiwari, G., additional, Glenn, G. D., additional, Treffert, F., additional, Glenzer, S. H., additional, and Hegelich, B. M., additional

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

20. Automated control and optimization of laser-driven ion acceleration

Author

Loughran, B., primary, Streeter, M. J. V., additional, Ahmed, H., additional, Astbury, S., additional, Balcazar, M., additional, Borghesi, M., additional, Bourgeois, N., additional, Curry, C. B., additional, Dann, S. J. D., additional, DiIorio, S., additional, Dover, N. P., additional, Dzelzainis, T., additional, Ettlinger, O. C., additional, Gauthier, M., additional, Giuffrida, L., additional, Glenn, G. D., additional, Glenzer, S. H., additional, Green, J. S., additional, Gray, R. J., additional, Hicks, G. S., additional, Hyland, C., additional, Istokskaia, V., additional, King, M., additional, Margarone, D., additional, McCusker, O., additional, McKenna, P., additional, Najmudin, Z., additional, Parisuaña, C., additional, Parsons, P., additional, Spindloe, C., additional, Symes, D. R., additional, Thomas, A. G. R., additional, Treffert, F., additional, Xu, N., additional, and Palmer, C. A. J., additional

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

21. Versatile tape-drive target for high-repetition-rate laser-driven proton acceleration

Author

Xu, N., primary, Streeter, M. J. V., additional, Ettlinger, O. C., additional, Ahmed, H., additional, Astbury, S., additional, Borghesi, M., additional, Bourgeois, N., additional, Curry, C. B., additional, Dann, S. J. D., additional, Dover, N. P., additional, Dzelzainis, T., additional, Istokskaia, V., additional, Gauthier, M., additional, Giuffrida, L., additional, Glenn, G. D., additional, Glenzer, S. H., additional, Gray, R. J., additional, Green, J. S., additional, Hicks, G. S., additional, Hyland, C., additional, King, M., additional, Loughran, B., additional, Margarone, D., additional, McCusker, O., additional, McKenna, P., additional, Parisuaña, C., additional, Parsons, P., additional, Spindloe, C., additional, Symes, D. R., additional, Treffert, F., additional, Palmer, C. A. J., additional, and Najmudin, Z., additional

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

23. High-repetition-rate, multi-MeV deuteron acceleration from converging heavy water microjets at laser intensities of 1021 W/cm2

Author

Treffert, F., primary, Curry, C. B., additional, Chou, H.-G. J., additional, Crissman, C. J., additional, DePonte, D. P., additional, Fiuza, F., additional, Glenn, G. D., additional, Hollinger, R. C., additional, Nedbailo, R., additional, Park, J., additional, Schoenwaelder, C., additional, Song, H., additional, Wang, S., additional, Rocca, J. J., additional, Roth, M., additional, Glenzer, S. H., additional, and Gauthier, M., additional

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

24. Towards High-Repetition Rate Petawatt Laser Experiments with Cryogenic Jets Using a Mechanical Chopper System

Author

(0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., Assenbaum, S., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., Gauthier, M., Glenzer, S. H., Göde, S., Schoenwaelder, C., Treffert, F., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., Assenbaum, S., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., Gauthier, M., Glenzer, S. H., Göde, S., Schoenwaelder, C., Treffert, F., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., and (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K.

Abstract

Laser-plasma based ion accelerators require suitable high-repetition rate target systems that enable systematic studies at controlled plasma conditions and application-relevant particle flux. Self-refreshing, micrometer-sized cryogenic jets have proven to be an ideal target platform. Yet, operation of such systems in the harsh environmental conditions of high power laser induced plasma experiments have turned out to be challenging. Here we report on recent experiments deploying a cryogenic hydrogen jet as a source of pure proton beams generated with the PW-class ultrashort pulse laser DRACO. Damage to the jet target system during application of full energy laser shots was prevented by implementation of a mechanical chopper system interrupting the direct line of sight between the laser plasma interaction zone and the jet source.

Published
2022

25. Ultra-short pulse laser-driven acceleration of protons to 80 MeV from density tailored cryogenic hydrogen jets

Author

(0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., Fiuza, F., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-1943-7141) Hübl, A., Kim, J. B., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., (0000-0001-9236-8037) Obst-Hübl, L., (0000-0003-4962-2153) Reimold, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., Treffert, F., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., Fiuza, F., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-1943-7141) Hübl, A., Kim, J. B., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., (0000-0001-9236-8037) Obst-Hübl, L., (0000-0003-4962-2153) Reimold, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., Treffert, F., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., and (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K.

Abstract

Laser plasma based particle accelerators have attracted great interest in fields where conventional accelerators reach limits based on size, cost or beam parameters. Designing future laser ion accelerators requires a high degree of control of the advanced acceleration schemes involved and predictive modelling capabilities. Here, we investigate the interaction of petawatt class laser pulses with a micrometer sized cryogenic hydrogen jet target. Controlled pre-expansion of the target by low intensity pre-pulses allowed for tailored density scans over more than two orders of magnitude. On-shot target characterization using two-color optical probing provided precise starting conditions for numerical simulations. For the optimal target density profile in the near critical regime proton energies of up to 80 MeV were observed which represents a two-fold increase with respect to the initial solid target case. Three-dimensional particle in cell simulations confirmed the transition between different acceleration mechanisms involved and suggested the magnetic-vortex regime to be responsible for the highest proton energies achieved.

Published
2022

26. Off-harmonic optical probing of high-intensity laser-plasma expansion dynamics in solid-density hydrogen jets

Author

(0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., GöDe, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-8145-5837) Kuntzsch, M., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., (0000-0001-9236-8037) Obst-Hübl, L., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., Treffert, F., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., GöDe, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-8145-5837) Kuntzsch, M., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., (0000-0001-9236-8037) Obst-Hübl, L., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., Treffert, F., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., and (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K.

Abstract

Due to the non-linear nature of relativistic laser induced plasma processes, the development of laser-plasma accelerators requires precise numerical modeling. Especially high intensity laser-solid interactions are sensitive to the temporal laser rising edge and the predictive capability of simulations suffers from incomplete information on the plasma state at the onset of the relativistic interaction. Experimental diagnostics utilizing ultra-fast optical backlighters can help to ease this challenge by providing temporally resolved inside into the plasma density evolution. We present the successful implementation of an off-harmonic optical probe laser setup to investigate the interaction of a high-intensity laser at 5.4E21 W / cm^2 peak intensity with a solid-density cylindrical cryogenic hydrogen jet target of 5 um diameter as a target test bed. The temporal synchronization of pump and probe laser, spectral filtering and spectrally resolved data of the parasitic plasma self-emission are discussed. The probing technique mitigates detector saturation by self-emission and allowed to record a temporal scan of shadowgraphy data revealing details of the target ionization and expansion dynamics that were so far not accessible for the given laser intensity. Plasma expansion speeds of up to (2.3+-0.4)E7 m / s followed by full target transparency at 1.4 ps after the high intensity laser peak are observed. A three dimensional particle-in-cell simulation initiated with the diagnosed target pre-expansion at -0.2 ps and post processed by ray tracing simulations supports the experimental observations and demonstrates the capability of time resolved optical diagnostics to provide quantitative input and feedback to the numerical treatment within the time frame of the relativistic laser-plasma interaction.

Published
2022

27. Data publication: Towards High-Repetition Rate Petawatt Laser Experiments with Cryogenic Jets Using a Mechanical Chopper System

Author

(0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., Assenbaum, S., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., Gauthier, M., Glenzer, S. H., Göde, S., Schoenwaelder, C., Treffert, F., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., Assenbaum, S., (0000-0003-1739-0159) Bernert, C., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., Gauthier, M., Glenzer, S. H., Göde, S., Schoenwaelder, C., Treffert, F., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., and (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K.

Abstract

Rohdaten und Ausgewertete Messungen, die in der Publikation dargestellt sind.

Published
2022

28. Investigation of hard x-ray emissions from terawatt laser-irradiated foils at the Matter in Extreme Conditions instrument of the Linac Coherent Light Source

Author

Fletcher, L.B., primary, Curry, C.B., additional, Gauthier, M., additional, Glenn, G.D., additional, Chen, Z., additional, Cunningham, E., additional, Descamps, A., additional, Frost, M., additional, Galtier, E.C., additional, Heimann, P., additional, Kim, J.B., additional, Mo, M., additional, Ofori-Okai, B.K., additional, Peebles, J., additional, Seiboth, F., additional, Treffert, F., additional, Dyer, G.M., additional, McBride, E.E., additional, and Glenzer, S.H., additional

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

30. Ultra-short pulse laser-driven acceleration of protons to 80 MeV from density tailored cryogenic hydrogen jets

Author

Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., Brack, F.-E., Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., Hübl, A., Kim, J. B., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kroll, F., Metzkes-Ng, J., Löser, M., Obst-Hübl, L., Reimold, M., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Schramm, U., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Ziegler, T., and Zeil, K.

Abstract

Laser plasma based particle accelerators have attracted great interest in fields where conventional accelerators reach limits based on size, cost or beam parameters. Designing future laser ion accelerators requires a high degree of control of the advanced acceleration schemes involved and predictive modelling capabilities. Here, we investigate the interaction of petawatt class laser pulses with a micrometer sized cryogenic hydrogen jet target. Controlled pre-expansion of the target by low intensity pre-pulses allowed for tailored density scans over more than two orders of magnitude. On-shot target characterization using two-color optical probing provided precise starting conditions for numerical simulations. For the optimal target density profile in the near critical regime proton energies of up to 80 MeV were observed which represents a two-fold increase with respect to the initial solid target case. Three-dimensional particle in cell simulations confirmed the transition between different acceleration mechanisms involved and suggested the magnetic-vortex regime to be responsible for the highest proton energies achieved.

Published
2022

31. Off-harmonic optical probing of high-intensity laser-plasma expansion dynamics in solid-density hydrogen jets

Author

Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., Brack, F.-E., Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., GöDe, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kroll, F., Kuntzsch, M., Metzkes-Ng, J., Löser, M., Obst-Hübl, L., Rehwald, M., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Schramm, U., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Ziegler, T., and Zeil, K.

Subjects
optical probing, ion accleration, ĥigh intensity laser
Abstract

Due to the non-linear nature of relativistic laser induced plasma processes, the development of laser-plasma accelerators requires precise numerical modeling. Especially high intensity laser-solid interactions are sensitive to the temporal laser rising edge and the predictive capability of simulations suffers from incomplete information on the plasma state at the onset of the relativistic interaction. Experimental diagnostics utilizing ultra-fast optical backlighters can help to ease this challenge by providing temporally resolved inside into the plasma density evolution. We present the successful implementation of an off-harmonic optical probe laser setup to investigate the interaction of a high-intensity laser at 5.4E21 W / cm^2 peak intensity with a solid-density cylindrical cryogenic hydrogen jet target of 5 um diameter as a target test bed. The temporal synchronization of pump and probe laser, spectral filtering and spectrally resolved data of the parasitic plasma self-emission are discussed. The probing technique mitigates detector saturation by self-emission and allowed to record a temporal scan of shadowgraphy data revealing details of the target ionization and expansion dynamics that were so far not accessible for the given laser intensity. Plasma expansion speeds of up to (2.3+-0.4)E7 m / s followed by full target transparency at 1.4 ps after the high intensity laser peak are observed. A three dimensional particle-in-cell simulation initiated with the diagnosed target pre-expansion at -0.2 ps and post processed by ray tracing simulations supports the experimental observations and demonstrates the capability of time resolved optical diagnostics to provide quantitative input and feedback to the numerical treatment within the time frame of the relativistic laser-plasma interaction.

Published
2022

32. Probing ultrafast laser plasma processes inside solids with resonant small angle X-ray scattering

Author

Gaus, L., Bischoff, L., Bussmann, M., Cunningham, E., Curry, C. B., E, Juncheng, Galtier, E., Gauthier, M., Laso García, A., Garten, M., Glenzer, S., Grenzer, J., Gutt, C., Hartley, N., Huang, L., Hübner, U., Kraus, D., Lee, H. J., McBride, E. E., Metzkes-Ng, J., Nagler, B., Nakatsutsumi, M., Nikl, J., Ota, M., Pelka, A., Prencipe, I., Randolph, L., Rödel, M., Sakawa, Y., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Smid, M., Treffert, F., Voigt, K., Zeil, K., Cowan, T., Schramm, U., and Kluge, T.

Abstract

Extreme states of matter exist throughout the universe e.g. inside planetary cores, stars or astrophysical jets. Such conditions can be generated in the laboratory in the interaction of powerful lasers with solids. Yet, the measurement of the subsequent plasma dynamics with regard to density, temperature and ionization is a major experimental challenge. However, ultra-short X-ray pulses provided by X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) allow for dedicated studies, which are highly relevant to study laboratory astrophysics, laser-fusion research or laser-plasma-based particle acceleration. Here, we report on experiments that employ a novel ultrafast method, which allows to simultaneously access temperature, ionization state and nanometer scale expansion dynamics in high-intensity laser-driven solid-density plasmas with a single X-ray detector. Using this method, we gain access to the expansion dynamics of a buried layer in compound samples, and we measure opacity changes arising from bound-bound resonance transitions in highly ionized copper. The presence of highly ionized copper leads to a temperature estimate of at least 2 million Kelvin already after the first 100 femtoseconds following the high-intensity laser irradiation. More specifically, we make use of asymmetries in small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns, which arise from different spatial distributions of absorption and scattering cross sections in nanostructured grating samples when we tune an XFEL to atomic resonant energies of copper. Thereby, changes in asymmetry can be connected with the evolution of the plasma expansion and ionization dynamics. The potential of XFEL-based resonant SAXS to obtain three-dimensional ultrafast, nanoscopic information on density and opacity may offer a unique path for the characterization of dynamic processes in High Energy Density plasmas.

Published
2021

33. High intensity laser interaction with solid-density cryogenic hydrogen jet targets

Author

Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., Brack, F.-E., Cowan, T., B. Curry, C., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., Hübl, A., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kroll, F., Metzkes-Ng, J., Löser, M., Obst-Hübl, L., Rehwald, M., Reimold, M., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Schramm, U., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Ziegler, T., and Zeil, K.

Subjects
cryogenic jet, ion acceleration, high intensity laser
Abstract

Ultra-intense short-pulse lasers in the Petawatt regime and intensity range of 1021W/cm2 offer the possibility to study new compact accelerator schemes by utilizing solid density targets for the generation of energetic ion beams. The optimization of the acceleration process demands comprehensive exploration of the involved plasma dynamics. This applies not only on the femtosecond but also on the pico- to nanosecond timescale, where the laser rising edge modifies the target prior to the 30 fs laser peak. Cryogenic hydrogen jet targets with µm-scale transverse size and solid density (5.2x1022 cm-3) offer the superb opportunity for renewable and debris-free acceleration sources and at the same time allow for comprehensive experimental investigation and realistic simulation of the rich physics involved in the laser target interaction. Here, we present the results of an experiment for laser proton acceleration from a cryogenic hydrogen jet target at the DRACO-PW laser. Optimized acceleration performance is achieved by tailoring the targets plasma density via hydrodynamic expansion induced by a short low-intensity pre-pulse. Optical shadowgraphy probing is utilized to give a realistic input of the targets plasma density for 3 dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of the particle acceleration process.

Published
2021

34. Resonant SAXS data used in publication: 'Probing ultrafast laser plasma processes inside solids with resonant small angle X-ray scattering'

Author

Gaus, L., Bischoff, L., Bussmann, M., Cunningham, E., Curry, C. B., E, Juncheng, Galtier, E., Gauthier, M., Laso García, A., Garten, M., Glenzer, S., Grenzer, J., Gutt, C., Hartley, N., Huang, L., Hübner, U., Kraus, D., Lee, H. J., McBride, E. E., Metzkes-Ng, J., Nagler, B., Nakatsutsumi, M., Nikl, J., Ota, M., Pelka, A., Prencipe, I., Randolph, L., Rödel, M., Sakawa, Y., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Smid, M., Treffert, F., Voigt, K., Zeil, K., Cowan, T., Schramm, U., and Kluge, T.

Abstract

Resonant Small-angle x-ray scattering raw data obtained in measurements at MEC at LCLS and evalutation of the asymmetry in the scattering patterns. The data set is structured in case 1/Si-Cu-compound targets and case 2/Cu-only-targets as presented in the publication for on- and off-resonant XFEL probe energies.

Published
2021

35. Off-harmonic optical probing of high intensity laser interaction with solid-density cryogenic hydrogen jet targets

Author

Bernert, C., Albach, D., Assenbaum, S., Brack, F.-E., Bock, S., Curry, C. B., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Glenzer, S. H., Göde, S., Göthel, I., Kim, J. B., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kuntzsch, M., Löser, M., Metzkes-Ng, J., Obst-Hübl, L., Püschel, T., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Umlandt, M. E. P., Vescovi Pinochet, M. A., Zeil, K., Ziegler, T., Schramm, U., and Rehwald, M.

Subjects
optical probing, ion acceleration, high intensity laser
Abstract

High-intensity short-pulse lasers enable novel compact accelerator schemes for the generation of energetic ion beams. The experimental investigation of the process remains challenging due to the femtosecond timescale and micrometer size of the acceleration. Commonly, diagnostic results are explained by a comparison of the experimental findings with computationally expensive particle-in-cell simulations. Cryogenic hydrogen jet targets (~30 critical densities) with µm-scale transverse size are particularly well suited for this approach. Time-resolved diagnostics like optical probing can infer the state of the target at the initialization time of the simulation and benchmark the simulation results. Here we present the implementation of an off-harmonic optical probing setup at an experiment for laser proton acceleration with a cylindrical hydrogen jet target at the DRACO PW laser with plasma-mirror cleaned laser contrast. We show under which conditions the technique overcomes the problem of parasitic plasma self-emission, present technical aspects of the off-harmonic probing technique together with experimental results of the observed plasma dynamics.

Published
2021

36. Ultra-short pulse laser-driven acceleration of protons to 80 MeV from density tailored cryogenic hydrogen jets

Author

(0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., Fiuza, F., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-1943-7141) Hübl, A., Kim, J. B., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., (0000-0001-9236-8037) Obst-Hübl, L., (0000-0003-4962-2153) Reimold, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., Treffert, F., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0001-6200-6406) Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., (0000-0002-9859-2408) Brack, F.-E., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., Curry, C. B., Fiuza, F., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Göthel, I., Glenzer, S. H., (0000-0003-1943-7141) Hübl, A., Kim, J. B., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-0638-6990) Kraft, S., (0000-0002-0275-9892) Kroll, F., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., (0000-0001-7858-0007) Löser, M., (0000-0001-9236-8037) Obst-Hübl, L., (0000-0003-4962-2153) Reimold, M., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0002-4697-3014) Siebold, M., Treffert, F., (0000-0002-3727-7017) Ziegler, T., and (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K.

Abstract

Laser plasma based particle accelerators have attracted great interest in fields where conventional accelerators reach limits based on size, cost or beam parameters. Designing future laser ion accelerators requires a high degree of control of the advanced acceleration schemes involved and predictive modelling capabilities. Here, we investigate the interaction of petawatt class laser pulses with a micrometer sized cryogenic hydrogen jet target. Controlled pre-expansion of the target by low intensity pre-pulses allowed for tailored density scans over more than two orders of magnitude. On-shot target characterization using two-color optical probing provided precise starting conditions for numerical simulations. For the optimal target density profile in the near critical regime proton energies of up to 80 MeV were observed which represents a two-fold increase with respect to the initial solid target case. Three-dimensional particle in cell simulations confirmed the transition between different acceleration mechanisms involved and suggested the magnetic-vortex regime to be responsible for the highest proton energies achieved.

Published
2021

37. Probing ultrafast laser plasma processes inside solids with resonant small angle X-ray scattering

Author

(0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., (0000-0003-3968-7498) Bischoff, L., (0000-0002-8258-3881) Bussmann, M., (0000-0002-0976-4416) Cunningham, E., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., E, Juncheng, Galtier, E., (0000-0001-6608-9325) Gauthier, M., (0000-0002-7671-0901) Laso García, A., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0001-9112-0558) Glenzer, S., Grenzer, J., Gutt, C., Hartley, N., Huang, L., Hübner, U., (0000-0002-6350-4180) Kraus, D., Lee, H. J., McBride, E. E., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., Nagler, B., (0000-0003-0868-4745) Nakatsutsumi, M., (0000-0003-0131-0628) Nikl, J., Ota, M., Pelka, A., (0000-0003-0931-1350) Prencipe, I., Randolph, L., Rödel, M., Sakawa, Y., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., (0000-0002-7162-7500) Smid, M., (0000-0003-1277-4241) Treffert, F., Voigt, K., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., (0000-0003-3968-7498) Bischoff, L., (0000-0002-8258-3881) Bussmann, M., (0000-0002-0976-4416) Cunningham, E., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., E, Juncheng, Galtier, E., (0000-0001-6608-9325) Gauthier, M., (0000-0002-7671-0901) Laso García, A., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0001-9112-0558) Glenzer, S., Grenzer, J., Gutt, C., Hartley, N., Huang, L., Hübner, U., (0000-0002-6350-4180) Kraus, D., Lee, H. J., McBride, E. E., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., Nagler, B., (0000-0003-0868-4745) Nakatsutsumi, M., (0000-0003-0131-0628) Nikl, J., Ota, M., Pelka, A., (0000-0003-0931-1350) Prencipe, I., Randolph, L., Rödel, M., Sakawa, Y., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., (0000-0002-7162-7500) Smid, M., (0000-0003-1277-4241) Treffert, F., Voigt, K., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., and (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T.

Abstract

Extreme states of matter exist throughout the universe e.g. inside planetary cores, stars or astrophysical jets. Such conditions can be generated in the laboratory in the interaction of powerful lasers with solids. Yet, the measurement of the subsequent plasma dynamics with regard to density, temperature and ionization is a major experimental challenge. However, ultra-short X-ray pulses provided by X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) allow for dedicated studies, which are highly relevant to study laboratory astrophysics, laser-fusion research or laser-plasma-based particle acceleration. Here, we report on experiments that employ a novel ultrafast method, which allows to simultaneously access temperature, ionization state and nanometer scale expansion dynamics in high-intensity laser-driven solid-density plasmas with a single X-ray detector. Using this method, we gain access to the expansion dynamics of a buried layer in compound samples, and we measure opacity changes arising from bound-bound resonance transitions in highly ionized copper. The presence of highly ionized copper leads to a temperature estimate of at least 2 million Kelvin already after the first 100 femtoseconds following the high-intensity laser irradiation. More specifically, we make use of asymmetries in small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns, which arise from different spatial distributions of absorption and scattering cross sections in nanostructured grating samples when we tune an XFEL to atomic resonant energies of copper. Thereby, changes in asymmetry can be connected with the evolution of the plasma expansion and ionization dynamics. The potential of XFEL-based resonant SAXS to obtain three-dimensional ultrafast, nanoscopic information on density and opacity may offer a unique path for the characterization of dynamic processes in High Energy Density plasmas.

Published
2021

38. Laser ion acceleration for radio-biological application – Pushing proton energy frontiers with pre-expanded, actively controlled, near critical density targets

Author

Zeil, K., Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., Brack, F., Bussmann, M., Cowan, T., Curry, C., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Goethel, I., Glenzer, S., Huang, L., Huebl, A., Kim, J., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kroll, F., Metzkes-Ng, J., Loeser, M., Obst-Huebl, L., Reimold, M., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Schramm, U., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Yang, L., Ziegler, T., Pawelke, J., Beyreuther, E., Zeil, K., Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., Brack, F., Bussmann, M., Cowan, T., Curry, C., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Goethel, I., Glenzer, S., Huang, L., Huebl, A., Kim, J., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kroll, F., Metzkes-Ng, J., Loeser, M., Obst-Huebl, L., Reimold, M., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Schramm, U., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Yang, L., Ziegler, T., Pawelke, J., and Beyreuther, E.

Abstract

Demanding applications like radiation therapy of cancer are pushing the frontier of laser driven proton accelerators with controlled and well-defined proton beam properties. This talk will give an overview of recent achievements at the high-contrast high power laser source DRACO at HZDR providing high contrast pulses of >500 TW on target for the reliable generation of proton beams with energies of around 60 MeV. For efficient capturing and shaping of the divergent TNSA proton pulses, a setup of two pulsed highfield solenoid magnets has been developed and proven to reliably generate homogeneous depth dose distributions precisely adapted to the three-dimensional sample geometry for ultra-high pulse dose rate irradiation scenarios. Using this method, worldwide first dose controlled volumetric irradiation of in vivo samples with laseraccelerated protons were conducted. The performance of laser based ion acceleration and the scaling of the laser energy to achieve increased ion energies strongly depend on the laser temporal contrast and its effect on the target plasma scale length. Plasma mirror setups have proven to be a valuable tool to significantly improve the temporal contrast by reducing pre-pulse intensity and steepening the rising edge of the main laser pulse. With such contrast enhancement techniques including novel diagnostic schemes, laser proton acceleration using ultra-thin foil targets as well as renewable debris-free hydrogen jets were investigated in a series of experiments within the near-critical density regime. An important implication of this is the demonstration of a credible path toward high repetition rate laser-based ion acceleration applications.

Published
2021

39. Laser-proton acceleration with cryogenic hydrogen jets

Author

Zeil, K., Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., Brack, F., Bussmann, M., Cowan, T., Curry, C., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Goethel, I., Glenzer, S., Huebl, A., Kim, J., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kroll, F., Metzkes-Ng, J., Loeser, M., Obst-Huebl, L., Reimold, M., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Schramm, U., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Ziegler, T., Zeil, K., Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., Brack, F., Bussmann, M., Cowan, T., Curry, C., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Goethel, I., Glenzer, S., Huebl, A., Kim, J., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kroll, F., Metzkes-Ng, J., Loeser, M., Obst-Huebl, L., Reimold, M., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Schramm, U., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., and Ziegler, T.

Abstract

Demanding applications like radiation therapy of cancer have pushed the development of laser proton accelerators and defined necessary proton beam properties as well as levels of control and stability. The presentation will give an overview of the recent experiments for laser driven proton acceleration employing µm-sized cylindrical and sheet-like cryogenic jet targets to produce high energy proton beams without causing any debris. The low plasma density (30 nc) hydrogen jet was irradiated with the Petawatt laser source DRACO at the HZDR. Substantial improvements of the target system stability led to a proton acceleration performance comparable with that obtained with foil targets in optimized TNSA conditions. Furthermore, correlations between laser temporal profile and proton beam performance was investigated by using a synchronized off-harmonic optical probe beam for measuring the temporal evolution of the target expansion prior to the main pulse. Additional tailoring of the jet’s density profile by using artificial pre-pulses allowed for triggering the regime of relativistically induced transparency, yielding proton energies of up to about 80 MeV. Moreover, structured proton beam profiles were used to study the influence of the millimetres scale vacuum environment surrounding the target, where residual gas molecules are ionized by the remnant laser light that is not absorbed into the plasma but reflected or transmitted. This effect leads to the counter-intuitive observation of laser near-field feature imprints in the detected proton beam profiles.

Published
2021

40. Pushing proton energy frontiers with pre-expanded, actively controlled, near critical density targets

Author

Zeil, K., Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., Brack, F., Bussmann, M., Cowan, T., Curry, C., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Goethel, I., Glenzer, S., Huang, L., Huebl, A., Kim, J., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kroll, F., Metzkes-Ng, J., Loeser, M., Obst-Huebl, L., Reimold, M., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Schramm, U., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Yang, L., Ziegler, T., Zeil, K., Rehwald, M., Bernert, C., Assenbaum, S., Brack, F., Bussmann, M., Cowan, T., Curry, C., Fiuza, F., Garten, M., Gaus, L., Gauthier, M., Göde, S., Goethel, I., Glenzer, S., Huang, L., Huebl, A., Kim, J., Kluge, T., Kraft, S., Kroll, F., Metzkes-Ng, J., Loeser, M., Obst-Huebl, L., Reimold, M., Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Schoenwaelder, C., Schramm, U., Siebold, M., Treffert, F., Yang, L., and Ziegler, T.

Abstract

The performance of laser based ion acceleration and the scaling of the laser energy to achieve increased ion energies strongly depend on the laser temporal contrast and its effect on the target plasma scale length. Plasma mirror setups have proven to be a valuable tool to significantly improve the temporal contrast by reducing pre-pulse intensity and steepening the rising edge of the main laser pulse. With such contrast enhancement techniques including novel diagnostic schemes, laser proton acceleration using ultra-thin foil targets as well as renewable debris-free hydrogen jets were investigated in a series of experiments within the near-critical density regime. An important implication of this is the demonstration of a credible path toward high repetition rate laser-based ion acceleration applications.

Published
2021

41. Resonant SAXS data used in publication: 'Probing ultrafast laser plasma processes inside solids with resonant small angle X-ray scattering'

Author

(0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., (0000-0003-3968-7498) Bischoff, L., (0000-0002-8258-3881) Bussmann, M., (0000-0002-0976-4416) Cunningham, E., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., E, Juncheng, Galtier, E., (0000-0001-6608-9325) Gauthier, M., (0000-0002-7671-0901) Laso García, A., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0001-9112-0558) Glenzer, S., Grenzer, J., Gutt, C., (0000-0002-6268-2436) Hartley, N., Huang, L., Hübner, U., (0000-0002-6350-4180) Kraus, D., Lee, H. J., McBride, E. E., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., Nagler, B., (0000-0003-0868-4745) Nakatsutsumi, M., (0000-0003-0131-0628) Nikl, J., Ota, M., Pelka, A., (0000-0003-0931-1350) Prencipe, I., Randolph, L., Rödel, M., Sakawa, Y., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., (0000-0002-7162-7500) Smid, M., (0000-0003-1277-4241) Treffert, F., Voigt, K., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T., (0000-0002-6914-4083) Gaus, L., (0000-0003-3968-7498) Bischoff, L., (0000-0002-8258-3881) Bussmann, M., (0000-0002-0976-4416) Cunningham, E., (0000-0001-8756-181X) Curry, C. B., E, Juncheng, Galtier, E., (0000-0001-6608-9325) Gauthier, M., (0000-0002-7671-0901) Laso García, A., (0000-0001-6994-2475) Garten, M., (0000-0001-9112-0558) Glenzer, S., Grenzer, J., Gutt, C., (0000-0002-6268-2436) Hartley, N., Huang, L., Hübner, U., (0000-0002-6350-4180) Kraus, D., Lee, H. J., McBride, E. E., (0000-0002-9556-0662) Metzkes-Ng, J., Nagler, B., (0000-0003-0868-4745) Nakatsutsumi, M., (0000-0003-0131-0628) Nikl, J., Ota, M., Pelka, A., (0000-0003-0931-1350) Prencipe, I., Randolph, L., Rödel, M., Sakawa, Y., (0000-0003-4400-1315) Schlenvoigt, H.-P., (0000-0002-7162-7500) Smid, M., (0000-0003-1277-4241) Treffert, F., Voigt, K., (0000-0003-3926-409X) Zeil, K., (0000-0002-5845-000X) Cowan, T., (0000-0003-0390-7671) Schramm, U., and (0000-0003-4861-5584) Kluge, T.

Abstract

Resonant Small-angle x-ray scattering raw data obtained in measurements at MEC at LCLS and evalutation of the asymmetry in the scattering patterns. The data set is structured in case 1/Si-Cu-compound targets and case 2/Cu-only-targets as presented in the publication for on- and off-resonant XFEL probe energies.

Published
2021

42. High-repetition-rate, multi-MeV deuteron acceleration from converging heavy water microjets at laser intensities of 1021 W/cm2.

Author

Treffert, F., Curry, C. B., Chou, H.-G. J., Crissman, C. J., DePonte, D. P., Fiuza, F., Glenn, G. D., Hollinger, R. C., Nedbailo, R., Park, J., Schoenwaelder, C., Song, H., Wang, S., Rocca, J. J., Roth, M., Glenzer, S. H., and Gauthier, M.

Subjects
*DEUTERIUM oxide, *NUCLEAR fusion, *VERY light jets, *WATER jets, *LASERS
Abstract

We demonstrate high repetition-rate deuteron acceleration by irradiating a continuously flowing, ambient temperature liquid heavy water jet with the high-intensity ALEPH laser. The laser delivered up to 5.5 J (120 TW, 1.2 × 1021 W/cm2) laser energy on target at 0.5 Hz. A high repetition-rate Thomson parabola spectrometer measured the deuteron beam energy spectra on each shot for 60 sequential shots (two minutes). Peak fluxes of 5 × 10 10 deuterons/sr/pulse, corresponding to an average flux of 1.5 × 10 12 deuterons/sr/min, were demonstrated with deuteron energies reaching up to 4.4 MeV. High shot-to-shot stability is observed up to 40%–50% of the maximum deuteron energy. These deuteron beams are suited for fast neutron production through deuteron breakup in a converter yielding energies similar to deuteron–deuteron (D–D, 2.45 MeV) fusion reactions of importance for material damage studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

43. High-repetition-rate, multi-MeV deuteron acceleration from converging heavy water microjets at laser intensities of 1021 W/cm2.

Author

Treffert, F., Curry, C. B., Chou, H.-G. J., Crissman, C. J., DePonte, D. P., Fiuza, F., Glenn, G. D., Hollinger, R. C., Nedbailo, R., Park, J., Schoenwaelder, C., Song, H., Wang, S., Rocca, J. J., Roth, M., Glenzer, S. H., and Gauthier, M.

Subjects
DEUTERIUM oxide, NUCLEAR fusion, VERY light jets, WATER jets, LASERS
Abstract

We demonstrate high repetition-rate deuteron acceleration by irradiating a continuously flowing, ambient temperature liquid heavy water jet with the high-intensity ALEPH laser. The laser delivered up to 5.5 J (120 TW, 1.2 × 1021 W/cm2) laser energy on target at 0.5 Hz. A high repetition-rate Thomson parabola spectrometer measured the deuteron beam energy spectra on each shot for 60 sequential shots (two minutes). Peak fluxes of 5 × 10 10 deuterons/sr/pulse, corresponding to an average flux of 1.5 × 10 12 deuterons/sr/min, were demonstrated with deuteron energies reaching up to 4.4 MeV. High shot-to-shot stability is observed up to 40%–50% of the maximum deuteron energy. These deuteron beams are suited for fast neutron production through deuteron breakup in a converter yielding energies similar to deuteron–deuteron (D–D, 2.45 MeV) fusion reactions of importance for material damage studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

44. Developing “inverted-corona” fusion targets as high-fluence neutron sources

Author

Hohenberger, M., primary, Meezan, N. B., additional, Riedel, W. M., additional, Kabadi, N., additional, Forrest, C. J., additional, Aghaian, L., additional, Cappelli, M. A., additional, Farrell, M., additional, Glenzer, S. H., additional, Heeter, B., additional, Heredia, R., additional, Landen, O. L., additional, Mackinnon, A. J., additional, Petrasso, R., additional, Shuldberg, C. M., additional, Treffert, F., additional, and Hsing, W. W., additional

Published
2021
Full Text
View/download PDF

45. Irradiation of Materials using Short, Intense Ion Beams from an Induction Accelerator

Author

Seidl, Peter, primary, Ji, Q., additional, Persaud, A., additional, Feinberg, E., additional, Kong, X., additional, Sierra, C., additional, Treffert, F., additional, Waldron, W.L., additional, Schenkel, T., additional, Barnard, J.J., additional, Friedman, A., additional, Grote, D. P., additional, Gilson, E.P., additional, Kaganovich, I.D., additional, and Stepanov, A., additional

Published
2017
Full Text
View/download PDF

46. Ultra-short pulse laser acceleration of protons to 80 MeV from cryogenic hydrogen jets tailored to near-critical density.

Author

Rehwald M, Assenbaum S, Bernert C, Brack FE, Bussmann M, Cowan TE, Curry CB, Fiuza F, Garten M, Gaus L, Gauthier M, Göde S, Göthel I, Glenzer SH, Huang L, Huebl A, Kim JB, Kluge T, Kraft S, Kroll F, Metzkes-Ng J, Miethlinger T, Loeser M, Obst-Huebl L, Reimold M, Schlenvoigt HP, Schoenwaelder C, Schramm U, Siebold M, Treffert F, Yang L, Ziegler T, and Zeil K

Subjects
Lasers, Particle Accelerators, Acceleration, Protons, Hydrogen
Abstract

Laser plasma-based particle accelerators attract great interest in fields where conventional accelerators reach limits based on size, cost or beam parameters. Despite the fact that particle in cell simulations have predicted several advantageous ion acceleration schemes, laser accelerators have not yet reached their full potential in producing simultaneous high-radiation doses at high particle energies. The most stringent limitation is the lack of a suitable high-repetition rate target that also provides a high degree of control of the plasma conditions required to access these advanced regimes. Here, we demonstrate that the interaction of petawatt-class laser pulses with a pre-formed micrometer-sized cryogenic hydrogen jet plasma overcomes these limitations enabling tailored density scans from the solid to the underdense regime. Our proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates that the near-critical plasma density profile produces proton energies of up to 80 MeV. Based on hydrodynamic and three-dimensional particle in cell simulations, transition between different acceleration schemes are shown, suggesting enhanced proton acceleration at the relativistic transparency front for the optimal case., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

47. Off-harmonic optical probing of high intensity laser plasma expansion dynamics in solid density hydrogen jets.

Author

Bernert C, Assenbaum S, Brack FE, Cowan TE, Curry CB, Garten M, Gaus L, Gauthier M, Göde S, Goethel I, Glenzer SH, Kluge T, Kraft S, Kroll F, Kuntzsch M, Metzkes-Ng J, Loeser M, Obst-Huebl L, Rehwald M, Schlenvoigt HP, Schoenwaelder C, Schramm U, Siebold M, Treffert F, Ziegler T, and Zeil K

Abstract

Due to the non-linear nature of relativistic laser induced plasma processes, the development of laser-plasma accelerators requires precise numerical modeling. Especially high intensity laser-solid interactions are sensitive to the temporal laser rising edge and the predictive capability of simulations suffers from incomplete information on the plasma state at the onset of the relativistic interaction. Experimental diagnostics utilizing ultra-fast optical backlighters can help to ease this challenge by providing temporally resolved inside into the plasma density evolution. We present the successful implementation of an off-harmonic optical probe laser setup to investigate the interaction of a high-intensity laser at [Formula: see text] peak intensity with a solid-density cylindrical cryogenic hydrogen jet target of [Formula: see text] diameter as a target test bed. The temporal synchronization of pump and probe laser, spectral filtering and spectrally resolved data of the parasitic plasma self-emission are discussed. The probing technique mitigates detector saturation by self-emission and allowed to record a temporal scan of shadowgraphy data revealing details of the target ionization and expansion dynamics that were so far not accessible for the given laser intensity. Plasma expansion speeds of up to [Formula: see text] followed by full target transparency at [Formula: see text] after the high intensity laser peak are observed. A three dimensional particle-in-cell simulation initiated with the diagnosed target pre-expansion at [Formula: see text] and post processed by ray tracing simulations supports the experimental observations and demonstrates the capability of time resolved optical diagnostics to provide quantitative input and feedback to the numerical treatment within the time frame of the relativistic laser-plasma interaction., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

48. Cryogenic Liquid Jets for High Repetition Rate Discovery Science.

Author

Curry CB, Schoenwaelder C, Goede S, Kim JB, Rehwald M, Treffert F, Zeil K, Glenzer SH, and Gauthier M

Subjects
Cold Temperature, Thermodynamics, Hydrogen chemistry, Technology instrumentation
Abstract

This protocol presents a detailed procedure for the operation of continuous, micron-sized cryogenic cylindrical and planar liquid jets. When operated as described here, the jet exhibits high laminarity and stability for centimeters. Successful operation of a cryogenic liquid jet in the Rayleigh regime requires a basic understanding of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics at cryogenic temperatures. Theoretical calculations and typical empirical values are provided as a guide to design a comparable system. This report identifies the importance of both cleanliness during cryogenic source assembly and stability of the cryogenic source temperature once liquefied. The system can be used for high repetition rate laser-driven proton acceleration, with an envisioned application in proton therapy. Other applications include laboratory astrophysics, materials science, and next-generation particle accelerators.

Published
2020
Full Text
View/download PDF

Catalog

Books, media, physical & digital resources
See catalog results