Unlimited energy gain in the laser-driven radiation pressure dominant acceleration of ions

Abstract

The energy of the ions accelerated by an intense electromagnetic wave in the radiation pressure dominated regime can be greatly enhanced due to a transverse expansion of a thin target. The expansion decreases the number of accelerated ions in the irradiated region increasing the energy and the longitudinal velocity of remaining ions. In the relativistic limit, the ions become phase-locked with respect to the electromagnetic wave resulting in the unlimited ion energy gain. This effect and the use of optimal laser pulse shape provide a new approach for great enhancing the energy of laser accelerated ions.2

Effect of electromagnetic pulse transverse inhomogeneity on ion acceleration by radiation pressure

“…[41][42][43] here we derive of the motion equations required for further consideration of the MLT dynamics. The equations of motion of the surface element of a thin foil target in the laboratory frame of reference can be written in the form dp dt…”

“…Here we plot the theoretical curves (dashed lines) calculated by using Eqs. (40)(41)(42) and the energy value obtained in simulations (dots in color). The theoretical dependence of the ion energy on the inititial target position follows from Eqs.…”

Optimization of relativistic laser–ion acceleration

“…An approximate solution of this self-consistent problem to obtain both the final velocity β and the shape of the sail, allowing for bowing while simultaneously submitting it to the condition of constant mass, has been given in Ref. [103]. The essential point is that instabilities like those of the Rayleigh-Taylor type lead to strong deviations from a uniform plasma front, forming cusps at an early stage of acceleration [104] , resulting in emission of beamlets [105] .…”

Production of high energy protons with hole-boring radiation pressure acceleration

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Considerable effort has been put into both the theoretical and, more recently, the experimental aspects 10 of this problem. RPA has been classified into two modes: "hole-boring" 3,[11][12][13][14][15][16] (HB) and "light-sail" (LS).…”