Back to Search Start Over

Laser-driven ion accelerators: Spectral control, monoenergetic ions and new acceleration mechanisms

Authors :
Lin Yin
Samuel A. Letzring
Bjorn Hegelich
Marius Schollmeier
Juan C. Fernandez
Donald C. Gautier
Brian J. Albright
Roland Schulze
Kirk Flippo
Joerg Schreiber
Source :
Laser and Particle Beams. 25:3-8
Publication Year :
2007
Publisher :
Hindawi Limited, 2007.

Abstract

Los Alamos National Laboratory short pulse experiments have shown using various target cleaning techniques such that heavy ion beams of different charge states can be produced. Furthermore, by controlling the thickness of light ions on the rear of the target, monoenergetic ion pulses can be generated. The spectral shape of the accelerated particles can be controlled to yield a range of distributions, from Maxwellian to ones possessing a monoenergetic peak at high energy. The key lies in understanding and utilizing target surface chemistry. Careful monitoring and control of the surface properties and induction of reactions at different temperatures allows well defined source layers to be formed, which in turn lead to the desired energy spectra in the acceleration process. Theoretical considerations provide understanding of the process of monoenergetic ion production. In addition, numerical modeling has identified a new acceleration mechanism, the laser break-out afterburner that could potentially boost particle energies by up to two orders of magnitude for the same laser parameters. This mechanism may enable application of laser-accelerated ion beams to venues such as compact accelerators, tumor therapy, and ion fast ignition.

Details

ISSN :
1469803X and 02630346
Volume :
25
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Laser and Particle Beams
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........c2bdcfd51546897aa61668e1fa98b673
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0263034607070012