LULI, Palaiseaux
INRS-EMT, Varennes (Québec)
Osaka University, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka
Beam optimization of laser-accelerated protons is a crucial point for the development of applications in various areas. Several directions need to be pursued, namely (i) optimization of the high-energy end of the spectrum e.g. for dense plasma radiography, and (ii) enhancement of laser-to-protons conversion efficiency and reduction of divergence e.g. for fast ignition. We will present recent experimental results and simulations on these topics. We will show that high-energy protons in the TNSA regime could be enhanced using low-density plasmas [2] or reduced mass solid targets [3]. The laser-to-protons conversion efficiency is equally sensitive to laser and target parameters and can be increased using ultra-thin targets [4] or reduced mass solid targets [3]. In addition, we will present some results in exploring radiation-pressure acceleration of ions using circularly polarized laser pulses.
[3] S. Buffechoux et al., “Enhanced laser acceleration of protons from reduced mass targets”, in preparation
[4] P. Antici, J. Fuchs et al., IEEE Trans. On Plasma Sci. 36, 1817 - 1820 (2008).
