Real-Time Electron Solvation Induced by Bursts of Laser-Accelerated Protons in Liquid Water

Understanding the mechanisms of proton energy deposition in matter and subsequent damage formation is fundamental to radiation science. Here we exploit the picosecond (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{s}$) resolution of laser-driven accelerators to track ultrafast solvation dynamics for electrons due to proton radiolysis in liquid water (${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$). Comparing these results with modeling that assumes initial conditions similar to those found in photolysis reveals that solvation time due to protons is extended by $g20\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ps}$. Supported by magnetohydrodynamic theory this indicates a highly dynamic phase in the immediate aftermath of the proton interaction that is not accounted for in current models.