First observation of shock waves induced by laser-accelerated proton beams

TL;DR

This paper reports the first experimental observation that laser-accelerated protons can generate shock waves in materials due to their ultra-short pulse width, enabling new ways to study extreme states of matter.

Contribution

It demonstrates the novel ability of laser-accelerated protons to induce shock waves, expanding their application scope and providing a new method for characterizing high flow intensity.

Findings

Protons can induce shock waves in materials.

Shock wave intensity correlates with proton flow parameters.

Laser-accelerated electrons do not produce shock waves.

Abstract

We demonstrate, for the first time, that laser-accelerated protons can induce shock waves in materials. The ultra-short pulse width of laser-driven protons enables them to deposit energy instantaneously, leading to an intense thermodynamic effect that heats and pressurizes materials violently, thereby generating shock waves. In contrast, laser-accelerated electrons do not possess this capability. Our simulations and experiments reveal that the flow intensity of the proton beam, which includes information on both the proton number and pulse width, directly correlates with shock waves. This finding not only provides a new method for characterizing the high flow intensity of laser-driven protons but also expands their applications in studying extreme states of matter.