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Enhanced laser ion acceleration from mass-limited targets

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 May 2008

J. Limpouch ,
J. Psikal ,
A.A. Andreev ,
K. YU. Platonov  and
S. Kawata
J. Limpouch*
Affiliation:
Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Praha, Czechia
J. Psikal
Affiliation:
Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Praha, Czechia
A.A. Andreev
Affiliation:
Institute for Laser Physics, St. Petersburg, Russia
K. YU. Platonov
Affiliation:
Institute for Laser Physics, St. Petersburg, Russia
S. Kawata
Affiliation:
Utsunomiya University, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Utsunomiya, Japan
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: J. Limpouch, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering CTU, Brehova 7, 115 19 Praha 1, Czech Republic. E-mail: limpouch@ishtar.fjfi.cvut.cz
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Abstract

Laser interactions with mass-limited targets are studied here via numerical simulations using our relativistic electromagnetic two-dimensional particle-in cell code including all three-velocity components. Analytical estimates are derived to clarify the simulation results. Mass-limited targets preclude the undesirable spread of the absorbed laser energy out of the interaction zone. Mass-limited targets, such as droplets, are shown here to enhance the achievable fast ion energy significantly due to an increase in the hot electron concentration. For given target dimensions, the existence is demonstrated for an optimum laser beam diameter when ion acceleration is efficient and geometrical energy losses are still acceptable. Ion energy also depends on the target geometrical form and rounded targets are found to enhance the energy of accelerated ions. The acceleration process is accompanied by generation of the dipole radiation in addition to the ordinary scattering of the electromagnetic wave.

Keywords

2D3V PIC codeDroplet targetsFoil sectionRelativistic laser intensitiesTarget normal sheath acceleration
Type
Research Article
Information
Laser and Particle Beams , Volume 26 , Issue 2 , June 2008 , pp. 225 - 234
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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