Computer simulation of the three-dimensional regime of proton acceleration in the interaction of laser radiation with a thin spherical target

Results from particle-in-cell simulations of the three-dimensional regime of proton acceleration in the interaction of laser radiation with a thin spherical target are presented. It is shown that the density of accelerated protons can be several times higher than that in conventional accelerators. The focusing of fast protons created in the interaction of laser radiation with a spherical target is demonstrated. The focal spot of fast protons is localized near the center of the sphere. The conversion efficiency of laser energy into fast ion energy attains 5%. The acceleration mechanism is analyzed and the electron and proton energy spectra are obtained. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".