Efficient laser production of energetic neutral beams. (15th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mollica, F; Antonelli, L; Flacco, A; Braenzel, J; Vauzour, B; Folpini, G; Birindelli, G; Schnuerer, M; Batani, D; Malka, V
• Is Part Of: Plasma physics and controlled fusion. Volume 58:Number 3(2016:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2016-02-15
• Subjects: ions laser-acceleration -- charge transfer -- laser-plasma interaction -- neutral beam -- target normal sheath acceleration; Plasma (Ionized gases) -- Periodicals; Controlled fusion -- Periodicals; 530.44
• DOI: 10.1088/0741-3335/58/3/034016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0741-3335

Abstract

Abstract: Laser-driven ion acceleration by intense, ultra-short, laser pulse has received increasing attention in recent years, and the availability of much compact and versatile ions sources motivates the study of laser-driven sources of energetic neutral atoms. We demonstrate the production of a neutral and directional beam of hydrogen and carbon atoms up to 200 keV per nucleon, with a peak flow of atom s −1 . Laser accelerated ions are neutralized in a pulsed, supersonic argon jet with tunable density between cm −3 and cm −3 . The neutralization efficiency has been measured by a time-of-flight detector for different argon densities. An optimum is found, for which complete neutralization occurs. The neutralization rate can be explained only at high areal densities (> cm −2 ) by single electron charge transfer processes. These results suggest a new perspective for the study of neutral production by laser and open discussion of neutralization at a lower density.