A Platform for Ultra-Fast Proton Probing of Matter in Extreme Conditions

Area of Science:

• High-energy-density physics
• Plasma physics
• Particle accelerator technology

Background:

• Ultrashort and intense laser systems generate brilliant proton sources for extreme plasma research.
• Challenges exist in developing sensors for energy selection, focusing, transport, and detection of these proton sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel and simple design for an isochronous magnetic selector.
• To enable angular and energy selection of proton sources with reduced temporal spread.

Main Methods:

• Design and theoretical analysis of an isochronous magnetic selector.
• Validation through analytical estimations and Monte Carlo simulations.

Main Results:

• The proposed selector achieves significant reduction in temporal spread compared to existing technologies.
• The device enables energy-based separation of ion beams.
• Simulations confirm the effectiveness of the isochronous configuration.

Conclusions:

• The isochronous magnetic selector is a promising component for ion energy spectrum sensors.
• Its low temporal spread is beneficial for studying extreme states of matter and proton stopping power.
• Applications extend to sensing technologies in biology and medical physics for coherent energy deposition studies.