Simulation study of laser-driven ion acceleration

Abstract

Laser-driven ion acceleration has become a major research topic after development of intense laser pulse. It is expected to replace a big conventional accelerator and generate pulsed ion beams with low emittance, high peak current. People have tried to enhance beam energy and collect ions into the intended energy range. In this thesis, we introduce background knowledge for understand laser-driven ion acceleration. And we show the independence between the areal density of the second layer and the thickness of the first layer in target-normal-sheath-acceleration using double layer target. This result will serve valuable information when design the double layer target. And last, the electrostatic shock ion acceleration by a circularly polarized pulse via relativistic transparency will be presented. When a circularly polarized pulse drives shock, it is expected higher hole-boring velocity and higher ion beam energy.