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 language | English |
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Article number | 195001 |
Pages (from-to) | 195001-195001-4 |
Number of pages | 194998 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 95 |
Issue number | 19 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 04 Oct 2005 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy