In Situ Characterisation of Permanent Magnetic Quadrupoles for focussing proton beams

TL;DR

This paper presents the design and in situ characterization of magnetic quadrupoles aimed at focusing and transporting laser-accelerated proton beams to improve their utility in compact accelerator applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel magnetic quadrupole system specifically designed for laser-driven proton beams, with in situ characterization to optimize beam focusing.

Findings

Successful in situ characterization of quadrupole focusing properties

Potential for improved beam transport in laser-driven proton accelerators

Foundation for future compact accelerator development

Abstract

High intensity laser driven proton beams are at present receiving much attention. The reasons for this are many but high on the list is the potential to produce compact accelerators. However two of the limitations of this technology is that unlike conventional nuclear RF accelerators lasers produce diverging beams with an exponential energy distribution. A number of different approaches have been attempted to monochromise these beams but it has become obvious that magnetic spectrometer technology developed over many years by nuclear physicists to transport and focus proton beams could play an important role for this purpose. This paper deals with the design and characterisation of a magnetic quadrupole system which will attempt to focus and transport laser-accelerated proton beams.