The response function of Fujifilm BAS-TR imaging plates to laser-accelerated titanium ions

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics and Instrumentation
• Plasma Physics and Laser-Driven Sources

Background:

• Accurate diagnostics are essential for studying energetic charged particle sources.
• Fujifilm BAS-TR imaging plates (IP) are versatile phosphorescent detectors for radiation.
• Existing calibrations for IPs are limited to low-Z ions, necessitating extension to mid-Z ions for laser-driven source studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the absolute calibration of Fujifilm BAS-TR imaging plates to the mid-Z ion regime.
• To develop a response model for photo-stimulated luminescence (PSL) signal versus ion energy for titanium ions.
• To compare the obtained response curve with existing data and analyze trends in PSL per nucleon.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Texas Petawatt Laser to generate energetic titanium ions (Ti¹⁰⁺-Ti¹²⁺, 6-27 MeV) from a 100 nm titanium foil.
• Employed a CR-39 plastic detector with slots, placed in front of the BAS-TR IP, to count ions corresponding to specific PSL levels.
• Fitted a response curve to the experimental data to model the relationship between PSL signal and ion energy.

Main Results:

• Successfully calibrated the BAS-TR IP for mid-Z ions, specifically titanium charge states.
• Developed a novel response curve modeling PSL signal as a function of ion energy for these ions.
• Observed a trend of decreasing PSL per nucleon with increasing ion mass, consistent with previous findings.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully extended the calibration of BAS-TR imaging plates to energetic mid-Z ions.
• The developed response model provides a valuable tool for quantitative analysis of laser-driven ion sources.
• The findings contribute to improved diagnostic techniques in high-energy particle physics research.