Nano and micro structured targets to modulate the spatial profile of laser driven proton beams

L. Giuffrida*, K. Svensson, J. Psikal, D. Margarone, P. Lutoslawski, V. Scuderi, G. Milluzzo, J. Kaufman, T. Wiste, M. Dalui, H. Ekerfelt, I. Gallardo Gonzalez, O. Lundh, A. Persson, A. Picciotto, M. Crivellari, A. Bagolini, P. Bellutti, J. Magnusson, A. GonoskovL. Klimsa, J. Kopecek, T. Lastovicka, G. A.P. Cirrone, C. G. Wahlström, G. Korn

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Nano and micro structured thin (μ m-scale) foils were designed, fabricated and irradiated with the high intensity laser system operating at LLC (Lund Laser Centre, Sweden) in order to systematically study and improve the main proton beam parameters. Nano-spheres deposited on the front (laser irradiated) surface of a flat Mylar foil enabled a small enhancement of the maximum energy and number of the accelerated protons. Nano-spheres on the rear side allowed to modify the proton beam spatial profile. In particular, with nanospheres deposited on the rear of the target, the proton beam spatial homogeneity was clearly enhanced. Silicon nitride thin foils having micro grating structures (with different step dimensions) on the rear surface were also used as targets to influence the divergence of the proton beam and drastically change its shape through a sort of stretching effect. The target fabrication process used for the different target types is described, and representative experimental results are shown and discussed along with supporting 3D particle-in-cell simulations.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberC03040
JournalJournal of Instrumentation
Volume12
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Mar 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Accelerator Applications
  • Beam dynamics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mathematical Physics
  • Instrumentation

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