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Compact acceleration of energetic neutral atoms using high intensity laser-solid interaction
Malay Dalui1,2, T Madhu Trivikram1, James Colgan3
1Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, 1 Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai, 400 005, India.
Scientific Reports
|June 22, 2017
Summary
High-intensity lasers create compact particle accelerators using laser-produced plasmas. This research demonstrates a novel method to convert fast ions into high-energy neutral atoms, enabling new applications.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Particle Acceleration
- Atomic Physics
Background:
- High-intensity laser-produced plasmas offer potential for compact particle acceleration.
- Laser-produced plasma accelerators feature highly localized, strong acceleration fields.
- Conventional accelerators have limitations in size and field strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the conversion of fast ions into energetic neutral atoms from laser-produced plasmas.
- To demonstrate a novel scheme for generating high-flux, low-emittance neutral atom beams.
- To explore the feasibility of a compact neutral atom accelerator.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing high-intensity laser-produced plasmas to generate fast ions.
- Implementing a manipulation technique to convert fast ions into neutral atoms with minimal momentum change.
- Characterizing the resulting neutral atom beam properties, including flux and emittance.
Main Results:
- Achieved conversion of over 80% of fast ions to energetic neutral atoms.
- Demonstrated the generation of high-energy neutral atom beams with properties similar to ion beams.
- Showcased the potential for generating high-flux, low-emittance neutral atom beams in sub-millimeter scales.
Conclusions:
- A feasible scheme for a high-energy neutral atom accelerator based on laser-produced plasmas has been demonstrated.
- This technology could significantly impact applications such as neutral atom lithography and diagnostics.
- Compact, high-brightness neutral atom sources are achievable using this approach.
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