Advanced strategies for ion acceleration using high power lasers

Abstract

A short overview of laser-plasma acceleration of ions is presented. The focus is on some recent experimental results and related theoretical work on advanced regimes. These latter include in particular target normal sheath acceleration using ultrashort low-energy pulses and structured targets, radiation pressure acceleration of both thick and ultrathin targets, and collisionless shock acceleration in moderate density plasmas. For each approach, open issues and the need and potential for further developments are briefly discussed.

Invited paper from plenary talk at the 40th European Physical Society Conference on Plasma Physics (Espoo, Finland, July 1-5, 2013). To be submitted to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion (special EPS issue). 4 figures. 2nd version implements corrections