Identification of high energy ions using backscattered particles in laser-driven ion acceleration with cluster-gas targets

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method using a CR-39 detector to identify high energy ions in laser-driven acceleration experiments, enabling detection beyond traditional limits by analyzing backscattered particles.

Contribution

The study presents a new diagnostic technique employing a single CR-39 detector with plastic plates to detect high energy ions in laser-driven acceleration, extending detection capabilities.

Findings

Detection of high energy ions up to 50 MeV per nucleon.

Successful identification of ions using backscattered particles.

Validation of the method with conventional ion beams.

Abstract

A new diagnosis method for high energy ions utilizing a single CR-39 detector mounted on plastic plates is demonstrated to identify the presence of the high energy component beyond the CR-39's detection threshold limit. On irradiation of the CR-39 detector unit with a 25 MeV per nucleon He ion beam from conventional rf-accelerators, a large number of etch pits having elliptical opening shapes are observed on the rear surface of the CR-39. Detailed investigations reveal that these etch pits are created by heavy ions inelastically backscattered from the plastic plates. This ion detection method is applied to laser-driven ion acceleration experiments using cluster-gas targets, and ion signals with energies up to 50 MeV per nucleon are identified.