Particle-in-cell simulation for experimental ion acceleration by fs laser-generated plasma

ABSTRACT

Particle in cell simulation was applied to fit the measurements of protons and ions acceleration obtained using an fs laser pulse irradiating a thin foil in target-normal-sheath-acceleration regime. The simulation code calculates the maximum electrical field generated in the rear side of the target driving the forward ions acceleration. The electron density versus time and space, and the plasma temperatures are evaluated using a medium contrast laser at an intensity of about 10¹⁹?Wcm^?2. Proton acceleration above 10?MeV was experimentally measured using SiC detectors connected in time-of-flight configuration. A comparison between theoretical aspects and experimental data is reported and discussed.