Two-dimensional simulations of KALIF beam–target interactions

Beam–target interaction experiments performed at the Karlsruhe Light Ion Facility (KALIF) have previously been simulated by one-dimensional (1D) radiation hydrodynamics in slab geometry, which implies a spacially homogeneous beam power distribution. In this paper the consequences of a non-homogeneous beam power distribution are studied by 2D hydrodynamical simulations. It is shown that – for conditions valid at KALIF – time and space resolved measurements of the target back surface velocity can be used to deduce information on the spacial beam profile.