The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Effects of laser prepulses on laser-induced proton generation

På svenska

Author

  • D. Batani
  • R. Jafer
  • M. Veltcheva
  • R. Dezulian
  • O. Lundh
  • Filip Lindau
  • Anders Persson
  • K. Osvay
  • C-G Wahlstrom
  • D. C. Carroll
  • P. McKenna
  • A. Flacco
  • V. Malka
Show all

Summary, in English

Low-intensity laser prepulses (<10(13) W cm(-2), nanosecond duration) are a major issue in experiments on laser-induced generation of protons, often limiting the performances of proton sources produced by high-intensity lasers (approximate to 10(19) W cm(-2), picosecond or femtosecond duration). Depending on the intensity regime, several effects may be associated with the prepulse, some of which are discussed in this paper: (i) destruction of thin foil targets by the shock generated by the laser prepulse; (ii) creation of preplasma on the target front side affecting laser absorption; (iii) deformation of the target rear side; and (iv) whole displacement of thin foil targets affecting the focusing condition. In particular, we show that under oblique high-intensity irradiation and for low prepulse intensities, the proton beam is directed away from the target normal. Deviation is towards the laser forward direction, with an angle that increases with the level and duration of the ASE pedestal. Also, for a given laser pulse, the beam deviation increases with proton energy. The observations are discussed in terms of target normal sheath acceleration, in combination with a laser-controllable shock wave locally deforming the target surface.

Publishing year

2010

Language

English

Publication/Series

New Journal of Physics

Volume

12

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

IOP Publishing

Topic

  • Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Physical Sciences

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1367-2630