Realizing laser-driven deuteron acceleration with low energy spread via in situ D2O-deposited target.

Generation of quasi-monoenergetic ion pulse by laser-driven acceleration is one of the hot topics in laser plasma physics. In this study, we present a new method for the in situ deposition of an ultra-thin D₂O layer on the surface of an aluminum foil target utilizing a spherical D₂O capsule. Employing a 10¹⁹ W/cm² laser, we achieve the acceleration of 10.8 MeV deuterons with an energy spread of ΔE/E = 4.6% in the most favorable shot. The energy spread depends on the exposure time of the D₂O capsule in the vacuum chamber. This method has the potential to extend its applicability to other ion species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]