Characterization and analysis of multi-picosecond short pulse laser-accelerated protons using CR-39

Proton acceleration by short-pulse lasers has been an increasingly active area of research as the proton beams have potential applications in inertial confinement fusion and isochoric heating of materials [1, 2]. In this study, we present an analysis of short pulse laser-generated protons using CR-39. While radiochromic film (RCF) has been used for analyzing characteristics of proton beams driven by short pulse lasers, CR-39 has more utility due to its insensitivity to electromagnetic radiation and capacity to allow for the distinction between various particle sizes and incident angles [3]. In this study, we compared the dosimetric capabilities of CR-39 to those of RCF when both materials are subjected to proton beams generated by OMEGA-EP multi-picosecond laser pulses interacting with sub-micron thick targets. Detailed experimental results including various measurements and analytic approaches will be presented.

[1] J.C. Fernández, et al 2014 Nucl. Fusion. 54 054006

[2] C. McGuffey, et al 2020 Sci. Rep. 10 9415

[3] F. H. Séguin, et al 2003 Rev. Sci. Instrum. 74 (2): 975–995