Magnetic fields applied to laser-generated plasma to enhance the ion yield acceleration

Abstract

A Nd:YAg laser operating at W/c intensity was employed to generated non-equilibrium plasma in vacuum irradiating polyethylene and aluminium targets. Plasma properties were monitored in high vacuum using Ion Collector (IC) and Ion Energy Analyzer (IEA). Plasmas were generated with and without magnetic fields directed along to the normal to the target surface and ranging between 0.1 and 0.15 Tesla. The magnetic fields produce ion focalization along the normal direction enhancing the axial ion current. The electron traps, produced along this axis by the magnetic fields, increase the ion acceleration, has demonstrated by IC measurements in time-of-flight configuration. With the used setup the ion current was increased of about 300%, while the ion energy of about 25%. Theoretical predictions, based on COMSOL simulation code, indicate that higher increments can be obtained using higher magnetic fields and laser intensities.