We present a novel technique for focusing and energy selection of
high-current, MeV proton/ion beams. This method employs a hollow
micro-cylinder that is irradiated at the outer wall by a high intensity,
ultra-short laser pulse. The relativistic electrons produced are injected
through the cylinder's wall, spread evenly on the inner wall surface
of the cylinder, and initiate a hot plasma expansion. A transient radial
electric field (107–1010 V/m) is
associated with the expansion. The transient electrostatic field induces
the focusing and the selection of a narrow band component out of the
broadband poly-energetic energy spectrum of the protons generated from a
separate laser irradiated thin foil target that are directed axially
through the cylinder. The energy selection is tunable by changing the
timing of the two laser pulses. Computer simulations carried out for
similar parameters as used in the experiments explain the working of the
micro-lens.