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Spectral characterization of laser-accelerated protons with CR-39 nuclear track detector
M Seimetz1, P Bellido1, P García1
1Instituto de Instrumentación para Imagen Molecular (I3M), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, Ed. 8B-N-1a, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|March 3, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a precise CR-39 detector method for measuring laser-accelerated proton energy spectra. The technique uses track size calibration and absorbers to analyze proton energies efficiently.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Plasma Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- CR-39 nuclear track detectors are common for laser-accelerated proton detection.
- Track density provides angular distribution; absorbers offer kinetic energy insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a precise method for measuring laser-accelerated proton spectral distributions.
- To enable spectral analysis in a single etching and analysis process.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a one-to-one correlation between proton energy and CR-39 track size.
- Calibrating this relation using monoenergetic particle beams.
- Extending spectral measurement range with passive absorbers of varying thicknesses.
Main Results:
- Achieved precise spectral distribution measurements for laser-accelerated protons.
- Quantitative proton energy and number data were obtained and compared with time-of-flight detectors.
- Spectrum end points determined by both methods agreed within 50-100 keV.
Conclusions:
- The developed CR-39 method offers a precise and efficient way to analyze laser-accelerated proton spectra.
- The combination of track size analysis and absorbers significantly enhances spectral measurement capabilities.
- This technique provides reliable data comparable to established methods like time-of-flight detection.
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