Enhanced proton acceleration using spiral-phase plasma mirrors

Z. Shpilman*, Y. Amir, R. Hollinger, S. Wang, S. Zahedpour Anaraki, J. J. Rocca, I. Pomerantz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present a method for generating intense vortex laser beams using spiral-phase plasma mirrors. These single-use micro-metric formations imprint a set amount of orbital angular momentum (OAM) to an arbitrary high power focusing beam. Using these beams, we irradiated ultrathin foils and measured the emission of ions from their back side. Utilizing a PW class laser, 5 J@45fs@2w resulting in an Intensity of 2×1020 W cm − 2 at spot focus, we observed an increase in the energy and numbers of these ions, compared to shots taken with reflection off flat plasma mirrors. A 45% increase in the proton numbers and a 35% increase in cutoff energy was observed. This is a major advance since the area of interaction and intensity are reduced due to the planar shape of the generated OAM laser. We review the available data-sets on laser ion acceleration using vortex beams, and conclude with a comparison to our findings.

Original languageEnglish
Article number015401
JournalJournal of Optics (United Kingdom)
Volume27
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2025

Funding

FundersFunder number
Charles Sturt University
DoD Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship
Tel Aviv University
US Department of Energy Fusion Energy SciencesUS DE-SC0021246
Ministry of Energy, Israel221-11-049
Office of Naval ResearchN000142012842

    Keywords

    • orbital angular momentum (OAM)
    • spiral phase plasma mirrors (SPPM)
    • target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA)
    • ultra intense laser
    • vortex beams

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Enhanced proton acceleration using spiral-phase plasma mirrors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this