Acceleration of electrons and protons using ultra-short pulse, table-top laser systems

• Applicant: Dr. Jens Osterholz
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2006 to 2007
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 20169589

The production and transport of fast electrons in high intensity laser interaction with matter and the subsequent acceleration of protons and ions have generated significant interest in the recent years. In the past many experiments have been carried out using ¿single-shot¿ laser systems with a pulse length of about one picosecond. Besides these large scale systems, there are also table top laser systems available in some laboratories generating multi-terawatt laser pulses with a length of 30-40 femtoseconds. Their higher repetition rate and smaller size make such laser systems interesting for applications such as ultra-fast X-ray sources, proton radiography or isotope production for medical applications. However, the physical processes that govern the energy transfer to the electrons and protons are widely an open issue for laser pulses shorter than 50 femtoseconds. Here it is proposed to investigate the acceleration of electrons and protons in this ultra-short pulse regime. The interaction will be studied as a function of target thickness, density, geometry, laser pulse duration and intensity in order to optimize these parameters for an efficient energy transfer to the accelerated particles.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Todd Ditmire