Developing laser-driven ion sources for radiobiological and high energy density research

Laser-driven ion beams have gained considerable attention for their potential use in multidisciplinary research and technology. This presentation discusses their application to radiobiological studies and high energy density science. A new experimental platform was established at the BELLA PW to deliver 2 MeV protons to biological samples at 0.2 Hz repetition rate by means of a compact, tunable active plasma lens beamline. This new platform enabled the first vitro irradiation study to confirm the differential sparing of normal human cells versus tumor cells under laser-driven proton irradiation for doses higher than ~10 Gy. A smooth proton beam profile is critical to allow for the homogeneous irradiation of radiobiological samples. Laser-driven proton beam profiles are subject to profile modulations originating in the ultra-high intensity laser-plasma interaction that is prone to plasma instabilities. We have investigated an additional source of proton beam profile modulations that originates in the interaction of the remnant laser pulse with plasma in the proton beam path. This effect even allows for small scale manipulation of the proton profile as we were able to demonstrate in experiments at the Draco laser. Finally, a new cryogenic target delivery technology for the efficient acceleration of single species ion beams at high repetition rate will be presented. This target allows to fully benefit from high laser repetition rates, for example to generate a high particle flux as is required for the irradiation of biological samples. Moreover, it enables conducting large parameters scans at appreciable statistics for discovery science.

Zoom-Meeting
https://gsi-fair.zoom.us/j/96629963798

Meeting-ID: 966 2996 3798
Kenncode: 130302