Applications of the high intensity short-pulse laser driven MeV proton beam

Nishiuchi, Mamiko; Daito, Izuru; Ikegami, Masahiro; Mori, Michiaki; Orimo, Satoshi; Ogura, Koichi; Sagisaka, Akito; Yogo, Akifumi; Pirozhkov, A. S.; Ma, J.*; et al.

no journal, , 

A laser-driven proton beam with a maximum energy of a few MeV is stably obtained using an ultra-short and high-intensity Titanium Sapphire laser. As compared with the proton beam from the conventional accelerator, this proton beam exhibits peculiar characteristics, such as, more than 10 protons per bunch are produced within a short pulse duration of ps at a source, resulting in a very high peak current. It also exhibits a very low transverse emittance. The proton beam has a divergence angle of 10 degrees and energy spread of 100%. It accompanies electrons and X-rays, which is produced simultaneously. Making the best use of these peculiar characteristics, many possible applications of the laser-driven proton are proposed. In order to make practical laser-driven proton beam for the applications, we carry out series of experiments. We have successfully obtained simultaneous imaging of the target with proton and X-ray or proton and electron beams. In the course of practical use of the proton beam for specific applications, characteristics above should be optimized based on the variations of the applications. For example, in order to apply the laser-driven proton beam for the proton irradiation system, such as used in the medical or the industrial applications, we should obtain focused or parallel proton beam. One of our plans to alter the orbits of the laser-driven protons from the planer tape target is using permanent quadrupole magnets.