Effect of target composition on proton energy spectra in ultraintense laser-solid interactions.

We study how the proton density in a target irradiated by an ultraintense laser affects the proton spectrum, with analytical models and Vlasov simulations. A low relative proton density gives rise to peaks in the energy spectrum. Furthermore, a target with the protons confined to a thin, low density...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Robinson, A, Bell, A, Kingham, R
Formato: Journal article
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: 2006
Descripción
Sumario:We study how the proton density in a target irradiated by an ultraintense laser affects the proton spectrum, with analytical models and Vlasov simulations. A low relative proton density gives rise to peaks in the energy spectrum. Furthermore, a target with the protons confined to a thin, low density layer produces a quasimonoenergetic spectrum. This is a simple technique for producing proton beams with a narrow energy spread for proton radiography of laser-plasma interactions.