High-quality ion beams from a nanometric double-layer target and their application to hadron-therapy

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the generation of high-quality, quasi-monochromatic ion beams via laser interaction with a nanometric double-layer target, with potential applications in cancer treatment through hadron-therapy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for producing controlled ion beams using laser-target interaction and provides an analytical model to predict beam properties.

Findings

Ion beams are quasi-monochromatic and well-collimated.

Laser pulse shape influences ion beam control.

Potential application in hadron-therapy is discussed.

Abstract

The production of ion beams from the interaction of a circularly polarized laser pulse with a nanometric double-layer target is discussed in the regime where all electrons are expelled from the target by laser radiation pressure. Quasi-monochromatic, well-collimated ion beams are observed in two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. The ion beam properties are derived from a simple analytical model, and the possibility to control those properties by using a laser-pulse with sharp-rising edge is discussed. Potential application to hadron-therapy is finally considered.