Dynamics of electric fields driving the laser acceleration of multi-MeV protons

L. Romagnani, J. Fuchs, Marco Borghesi, P. Antici, P. Audebert, F. Ceccherini, T. Cowan, T. Grismayer, Satyabrata Kar, A. Macchi, P. Mora, G. Pretzler, A. Schiavi, T. Toncian, O. Willi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

281 Citations (Scopus)
466 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The acceleration of multi-MeV protons from the rear surface of thin solid foils irradiated by an intense (similar to 10(18) W/cm(2)) and short (similar to 1.5 ps) laser pulse has been investigated using transverse proton probing. The structure of the electric field driving the expansion of the proton beam has been resolved with high spatial and temporal resolution. The main features of the experimental observations, namely, an initial intense sheath field and a late time field peaking at the beam front, are consistent with the results from particle-in-cell and fluid simulations of thin plasma expansion into a vacuum.
Original languageEnglish
Article number195001
Pages (from-to)195001-195001-4
Number of pages194998
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume95
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 04 Oct 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dynamics of electric fields driving the laser acceleration of multi-MeV protons'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this