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

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