Near-critical density target experiments for ion acceleration using high-intensity laser pulses

The interaction of a short-duration, relativistic intensity laser pulse with a near-critical density plasma can produce a collisionless electrostatic shock capable of accelerating ions. This effect has already been demonstrated using CO2 laser systems ($\lambda = 10 \; \mu \rm{m}$) where the specific plasma density profile enabled the acceleration of quasi-monoenergetic ion beams. We will present our experiments using the T-cubed laser system at the University of Michigan ($\lambda = 1.053 \; \mu \rm{m}$, 6J, 400fs). Due to the shorter wavelength, typical of most relativistic intensity laser systems, a higher plasma density and shorter scalelengths are required to achieve the conditions for shock ion acceleration. The target design and characterization as well as preliminary experimental results will be presented.