Fabrication of micrometre-sized periodic gratings in free-standing metallic foils for laser–plasma experiments. (10th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gheorghiu, C. C.; Cerchez, M.; Aktan, E.; Prasad, R.; Yilmaz, F.; Yilmaz, N.; Popa, D.; Willi, O.; Leca, V.
• Is Part Of: High power laser science and engineering. Volume 10(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12-10
• Subjects: laser driven plasmas on structured targets -- metallic foils -- micro-grating -- patterned targets; High power lasers -- Periodicals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1017/hpl.2021.57
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2095-4719

Abstract

Abstract: Engineered targets are expected to play a key role in future high-power laser experiments calling for joined, extensive knowledge in materials properties, engineering techniques and plasma physics. In this work, we propose a novel patterning procedure of self-supported 10 μm thick Au and Cu foils for obtaining micrometre-sized periodic gratings as targets for high-power laser applications. Accessible techniques were considered, by using cold rolling, electron-beam lithography and the Ar-ion milling process. The developed patterning procedure allows efficient control of the grating and foil surface on large area. Targets consisting of patterned regions of 450 μm × 450 μm, with 2 μm periodic gratings, were prepared on 25 mm × 25 mm Au and Cu free-standing foils, and preliminary investigations of the micro-targets interacting with an ultrashort, relativistic laser pulse were performed. These test experiments demonstrated that, in certain conditions, the micro-gratings show enhanced laser energy absorption and higher efficiency in accelerating charge particle beams compared with planar thin foils of similar thickness.