Numerical modeling and applications of laser-accelerated ion beams Original Research Article

We use laser-plasma interaction and particle-transport codes to investigate ion acceleration when a short, intense laser pulse irradiates a thin solid foil, and to quantify the isotope yield that these ions can induce by nuclear reactions in secondary targets. Optimum acceleration, in terms of peak ion energy and secondary target activation, is obtained for ultra-low (sub-μm) target thickness.