A Platform for Laser-Driven Ion Sources Generated with Nanosecond Laser Pulses in the Intensity Range of 10[sup.13]–10[sup.15] W/cm[sup.2]

• Published in: Quantum beam science Vol. 8; no. 1
• Main Authors: Giuffrida, L, Istokskaia, V, Picciotto, A, Kantarelou, V, Barozzi, M, Dell`Anna, R, Divoky, M, Denk, O, Giubertoni, D, Grepl, F, Hadjikyriacou, A, Hanus, M, Krasa, J, Kucharik, M, Levato, T, Navratil, P, Pilar, J, Schillaci, F, Stancek, S, Tosca, M, Tryus, M, Velyhan, A, Lucianetti, A, Mocek, T, Margarone, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Force and energy; Lasers; Pellet fusion; Czech Republic
• ISSN: 2412-382X; 2412-382X
• DOI: 10.3390/qubs8010005

An experimental platform for laser-driven ion (sub-MeV) acceleration and potential applications was commissioned at the HiLASE laser facility. The auxiliary beam of the Bivoj laser system operating at a GW level peak power (~10 J in 5–10 ns) and 1–10 Hz repetition rate enabled a stable production of high-current ion beams of multiple species (Al, Ti, Fe, Si, Cu, and Sn). The produced laser–plasma ion sources were fully characterized against the laser intensity on the target (10[sup.13]–10[sup.15] W/cm[sup.2]) by varying the laser energy, focal spot size, and pulse duration. The versatility and tuneability of such high-repetition-rate laser–plasma ion sources are of potential interest for user applications. Such a statistically accurate study was facilitated by the large amount of data acquired at the high repetition rate (1–10 Hz) provided by the Bivoj laser system.