HYDROGENATED TARGETS FOR HIGH ENERGY PROTON GENERATION FROM LASER IRRADIATING IN TNSA REGIME

<p>Polyethylene-based thin targets were irradiated in high vacuum in the TNSA (Target Normal Sheath Acceleration) regime using the PALS laser facility. The plasmais produced in forward direction depending on the laser irradiation conditions, the composition of the target and the geometry. The optical properties of the polymer use nanostructures to increase the laser absorbance. Proton kinetic energies from hundreds keV up to about 3MeV were obtained for optimal conditions enhancing the electric field driving the ion acceleration.