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High repetition rate laser-driven ion acceleration using cryogenic low-Z jets
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- Author / Creator
- Curry, Chandra Breanne
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Proton and deuteron beams accelerated through high-intensity laser-plasma interactions have the potential to be used in a wide range of applications in research, medicine, and industry. More specifically, they are expected to revolutionize radiography in civil and aerospace engineering and national security applications. They may also supplant nuclear reactors for the production of medical isotopes.
This thesis, completed in the High Energy Density Sciences (HEDS) Division at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, has laid the foundation for the creation of bright multi-MeV high-repetition rate proton and deuteron sources. The experimental findings presented herein utilized continuous, high-speed, low-Z cryogenic jets compatible with up to kHz repetition rate petawatt-class laser-plasma interactions. The tunable dimensions, near-critical density, and single-element composition of the cryogenic low-Z jets enable the exploration of previously inaccessible plasma regimes and acceleration mechanisms in the laboratory. They could ultimately be used to produce pulsed charged particle beams with ultra-low emittance and sub-nanosecond pulse durations, thereby surpassing the current state-of-the-art capabilities of large-scale linear accelerators and cyclotrons.
This thesis investigates laser-accelerated ion beams from Target Normal Sheath Acceleration and advanced acceleration regimes with 100-terawatt (TW) and petawatt (PW) class laser systems. Laser-driven ion beams with improved spatial uniformity and high peak brightness have been demonstrated, and this sets a clear path toward the creation of high repetition rate (HRR) laser-driven ion sources.
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2023
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Doctor of Philosophy
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.