Publication Date:
2014-09-25
Description:
Proton acceleration from 4 μ m thick aluminum foils irradiated by 30-TW Ti:sapphire laser pulses is investigated using an angle-resolved proton energy spectrometer. We find that a modulated spectral peak at ∼0.82 MeV is presented at 2.5° off the target normal direction. The divergence angle of the modulated zone is 3.8°. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations reveal that self-generated toroidal magnetic field at the rear surface of the target foil is responsible for the modulated spectral feature. The field deflects the low energy protons, resulting in the modulated energy spectrum with certain peaks.
Print ISSN:
1070-664X
Electronic ISSN:
1089-7674
Topics:
Physics