Detection of energetic ions emitted from laser-produced plasma by means of CR39 solid state nuclear track detectors

The iodine laser PALS, operated at the fundamental and third harmonic frequencies (wavelengths 1315 and 438 nm, respectively), was used to generate plasmas on various targets (Au,CF2, etc.). The investigation was performed at energies up to 400 and 250 J for 1 omega and 3 omega, respectively, in the 300 ps pulses. In these conditions several samples of solid state nuclear track detectors CR39 type, have been located at suitable geometrical positions to explore their capability to measure main parameters of ions emitted from the laser-produced plasmas. Track diameters and densities were observed on the uncovered detectors exposed to a lot of laser shots. Emitted ions in the energy range up to few tens of MeV, have been observed on the basis of ion collector TOF spectra. Track pattern results are shown and discussed in comparison with mentioned spectra and simulations.