Erlangen 2022 – scientific programme

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K: Fachverband Kurzzeit- und angewandte Laserphysik

K 2: Poster

K 2.14: Poster

Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 16:30–18:30, P

Towards studying collective effects in laser-driven heavy ion acceleration — •Erin G. Fitzpatrick, Laura Geulig, Maximilian Weiser, Florian H. Lindner, and Peter G. Thirolf — Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany

Laser accelerated ion bunches offer unique properties, like an ultra-high, almost solid-state density. This may affect their stopping behavior in matter via collective effects and ultimately enable to establish new nuclear reaction schemes like the ’fission-fusion’ mechanism, aiming to generate astrophysically relevant, extremely neutron-rich isotopes near N=126. Two major prerequisites are needed for the realization of this reaction mechanism: (i)Laser-driven heavy ion bunches at energies above their fission barrier (7 MeV/u for ²³²Th) with (ii)extremely high bunch densities. Experimental campaigns at different PW class laser facilities resulted in the acceleration of gold ions to maximum kinetic energies beyond 7 MeV/u and ion bunch densities of about 10¹³ cm⁻³ (10¹⁶ cm⁻³) at 1 mm (100 µm) from the target.

At the Center for Advanced Laser Applications (CALA) in Garching we are preparing for studies to investigate collective effects, like a potential reduction of the stopping power of heavy laser-accelerated ion bunches in solid targets. They will be assessed via the energy deposition of accelerated ion bunches in solid targets placed closely downstream of the acceleration target. An overview of the project and its status will be given. This project is funded by BMBF [05P2018WMEN9].