Generation of fast ion beams from multiterawatt laser-irradiated targets

Results of fast light ion yield measurements are presented. Laser-plasma experiments were carried out on picosecond laser PROGRESS-P at laser intensities on a target to be 1 ÷ 4•1018 W/cm2. Ring image and extremely small angular divergence of fast ion beam were found. Hard ions with energy more than 8 MeV were recorded. Model of fast ion generation is discussed and typical energy and spatial distribution of fast ion extension are estimated.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.