High-intensity laser-accelerated ion beam produced from cryogenic micro-jet target

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Laser-Plasma Interactions
• Ion Beam Generation

Background:

• High-intensity lasers enable novel particle acceleration methods.
• Developing pure, well-characterized ion beams is crucial for various applications.
• Cryogenic jet targets offer advantages in target stability and purity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the successful operation of a novel cryogenic jet target.
• To investigate proton and ion beam generation using high-intensity laser irradiation.
• To assess the potential of this target system for future applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a frequency-doubled Titan short pulse laser system.
• Employed a newly developed cryogenic jet target.
• Irradiated a solid-density mixed hydrogen-deuterium target.

Main Results:

• Achieved generation of a pure proton beam with a maximum energy of 2 MeV.
• Observed a quasi-monoenergetic proton peak at 1.1 MeV in the forward direction.
• Produced pure proton-deuteron ion beams from a mixed hydrogen-deuterium target.

Conclusions:

• The cryogenic jet target operates successfully at high laser intensities.
• The target system demonstrates potential for generating high-purity proton and mixed ion beams.
• The observed proton spectrum suggests novel acceleration mechanisms warranting further investigation.