TY - JOUR

T1 - Enhanced laser ion acceleration from mass-limited targets

AU - Limpouch, J.

AU - Psikal, J.

AU - Andreev, A. A.

AU - Platonov, K. Yu

AU - Kawata, S.

PY - 2008/6

Y1 - 2008/6

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

KW - 2D3V PIC code

KW - Droplet targets

KW - Foil section

KW - Relativistic laser intensities

KW - Target normal sheath acceleration

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=45749150382&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1017/S0263034608000268

DO - 10.1017/S0263034608000268

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:45749150382

VL - 26

SP - 225

EP - 234

JO - Laser and Particle Beams

JF - Laser and Particle Beams

SN - 0263-0346

IS - 2

ER -