[PDF] Laser Driven Proton Beams eBook

Author : Ceri M. Brenner
Publisher :
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 27,61 MB
Release : 2012
Category :
ISBN :

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This thesis reports on investigations of proton acceleration driven by the interaction of short, intense laser pulses with thin, solid targets. Laser-driven plasma interactions are used to establish accelerating quasi-electrostatic field gradients, on the rear surface of the target, that are orders of magnitude higher than the current limit of conventional, radio-frequency-based accelerator technology. The resulting high energy (multi-MeV) proton beams are highly laminar, have ultra-low emittance, and the inherently broad energy spectrum is particularly effective for use in proton imaging, heating and transmutation applications. This thesis reports on a series of investigations carried out to explore routes towards control of the spectral properties of laser-driven proton sources and optimisation of laser-to-proton energy conversion efficiency. The dependence of laser accelerated proton beam properties on laser energy and focal spot size in the interaction of an intense laser pulse with an ultra-thin foil is explored at laser intensities of 1016-1018 W/cm2. The results indicate that whilst the maximum proton energy is dependent on both these laser pulse parameters, the total number of protons accelerated is primarily related to the laser pulse energy. A modification to current analytical models of the proton acceleration, to take account of lateral transport of electrons on the target rear surface, is suggested to account for the experimental findings. The thesis also reports on an investigation of optical control of laser-driven proton acceleration, in which two relativistically intense laser pulses, narrowly separated in time, are used. This novel approach is shown to deliver a significant enhancement in the coupling of laser energy to medium energy (5-30 MeV) protons, compared to single pulse irradiation. The 'double-pulse' mechanism of proton acceleration is investigated in combination with thin targets, for which refluxing of hot electrons between the target surfaces can lead to optimal conditions for coupling laser drive energy into the proton beam. A high laser-to-proton conversion efficiency is measured when the delay between the pulses is optimised at 1 ps. The subsequent effect of double-pulse drive on the angular distribution of the proton beam is also explored for thick targets.

Author : Thomas Sokollik
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 126 pages
File Size : 43,40 MB
Release : 2011-01-12
Category : Science
ISBN : 3642150403

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Laser-driven proton beams are still in their infancy but already have some outstanding attributes compared to those produced in conventional accelerators. One such attribute is the typically low beam emittance. This allows excellent resolution in imaging applications like proton radiography. This thesis describes a novel imaging technique - the proton streak camera - that the author developed and first used to measure both the spatial and temporal evolution of ultra-strong electrical fields in laser-driven plasmas. Such investigations are of paramount importance for the understanding of laser-plasma interactions and, thus, for optimization of laser-driven particle acceleration. In particular, the present work investigated micrometer-sized spherical targets after laser irradiation. The confined geometry of plasmas and fields was found to influence the kinetic energy and spatial distribution of accelerated ions. This could be shown both in experimental radiography images and and in numerical simulations, one of which was selected for the cover page of Physical Review Letters.

Author : Paul Bolton
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 552 pages
File Size : 44,81 MB
Release : 2018-06-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 0429817096

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The first book of its kind to highlight the unique capabilities of laser-driven acceleration and its diverse potential, Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration presents the basic understanding of acceleration concepts and envisioned prospects for selected applications. As the main focus, this new book explores exciting and diverse application possibilities, with emphasis on those uniquely enabled by the laser driver that can also be meaningful and realistic for potential users. It also emphasises distinction, in the accelerator context, between laser-driven accelerated particle sources and the integrated laser-driven particle accelerator system (all-optical and hybrid versions). A key aim of the book is to inform multiple, interdisciplinary research communities of the new possibilities available and to inspire them to engage with laser-driven acceleration, further motivating and advancing this developing field. Material is presented in a thorough yet accessible manner, making it a valuable reference text for general scientific and engineering researchers who are not necessarily subject matter experts. Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration is edited by Professors Paul R. Bolton, Katia Parodi, and Jörg Schreiber from the Department of Medical Physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in München, Germany. Features: Reviews the current understanding and state-of-the-art capabilities of laser-driven particle acceleration and associated energetic photon and neutron generation Presents the intrinsically unique features of laser-driven acceleration and particle bunch yields Edited by internationally renowned researchers, with chapter contributions from global experts

Author : Mingyuan Shi
Publisher :
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 40,95 MB
Release : 2023*
Category :
ISBN :

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In this dissertation, the experiments are conducted at the Jenaer Titanium: Sapphire 200 Terawatt Laser System (JETi200) located in Jena, Germany. With its excellent temporal contrast, the few-nanometer freestanding target can remain in a solid state for a few picoseconds before the main pulse arrives, greatly reducing the pre-expansion of the target. The resulting proton beams exhibit distinctive features in terms of cut-off energy and energy spectrum distribution. The proton beams in the presented experiment show a more than 30 MeV monoenergetic peak under the circularly polarized laser, and the highest peak particle kinetic energy per Joule of laser energy is around 20MeV/J. As opposed to the circularly polarized driving light, the cut-off energy shows weak dependence on the target thickness when irradiated with linearly polarized light. Moreover, the implementation of a transmission light diagnostic in the experiment indicates that the transmission light of the main pulse is significantly weaker than that in other similar experiments. The energy and energy spectrum of the protons provide the potential to conduct in vivo research and proton skin therapy using the Terawatt-level laser system. Laser contrast significantly impacts laser-driven ion acceleration, as low contrast can lead to premature expansion of thin targets. The evolution of premature expansion, caused by pre-pulses, is primarily based on numerical calculations research. However, in this paper, I conduct a comprehensive experimental study of pre-pulse-induced pre-plasma evolution, including the measurement of pre-plasma evolution time and comparison with a previous numerical model. This investigation is especially beneficial for the latest generation of laser ion accelerators, as it enables the precise quantification of temporal contrast requirements in the Petawatt laser driver era.

Author : Paul Bolton
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 388 pages
File Size : 45,18 MB
Release : 2018-06-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 042981710X

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The first book of its kind to highlight the unique capabilities of laser-driven acceleration and its diverse potential, Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration presents the basic understanding of acceleration concepts and envisioned prospects for selected applications. As the main focus, this new book explores exciting and diverse application possibilities, with emphasis on those uniquely enabled by the laser driver that can also be meaningful and realistic for potential users. It also emphasises distinction, in the accelerator context, between laser-driven accelerated particle sources and the integrated laser-driven particle accelerator system (all-optical and hybrid versions). A key aim of the book is to inform multiple, interdisciplinary research communities of the new possibilities available and to inspire them to engage with laser-driven acceleration, further motivating and advancing this developing field. Material is presented in a thorough yet accessible manner, making it a valuable reference text for general scientific and engineering researchers who are not necessarily subject matter experts. Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration is edited by Professors Paul R. Bolton, Katia Parodi, and Jörg Schreiber from the Department of Medical Physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in München, Germany. Features: Reviews the current understanding and state-of-the-art capabilities of laser-driven particle acceleration and associated energetic photon and neutron generation Presents the intrinsically unique features of laser-driven acceleration and particle bunch yields Edited by internationally renowned researchers, with chapter contributions from global experts

Author : Leonida Antonio Gizzi
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 254 pages
File Size : 39,20 MB
Release : 2019-09-05
Category : Science
ISBN : 3030258505

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This volume presents a selection of articles based on inspiring lectures held at the “Capri” Advanced Summer School, an original event conceived and promoted by Leonida Antonio Gizzi and Ralph Assmann that focuses on novel schemes for plasma-based particle acceleration and radiation sources, and which brings together researchers from the conventional accelerator community and from the high-intensity laser-matter interaction research fields. Training in these fields is highly relevant for ultra-intense lasers and applications, which have enjoyed dramatic growth following the development of major European infrastructures like the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) and the EuPRAXIA project. The articles preserve the tutorial character of the lectures and reflect the latest advances in their respective fields. The volume is mainly intended for PhD students and young researchers getting started in this area, but also for scientists from other fields who are interested in the latest developments. The content will also appeal to radiobiologists and medical physicists, as it includes contributions on potential applications of laser-based particle accelerators.

Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 177 pages
File Size : 15,41 MB
Release : 2003-05-11
Category : Science
ISBN : 030908637X

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Recent scientific and technical advances have made it possible to create matter in the laboratory under conditions relevant to astrophysical systems such as supernovae and black holes. These advances will also benefit inertial confinement fusion research and the nation's nuclear weapon's program. The report describes the major research facilities on which such high energy density conditions can be achieved and lists a number of key scientific questions about high energy density physics that can be addressed by this research. Several recommendations are presented that would facilitate the development of a comprehensive strategy for realizing these research opportunities.