46th International Workshop on High Energy Density Physics with Intense Ion and Laser Beams

In this contribution, we present results from a long-term experimental study of electron, electromagnetic, and ion emission at the iodine laser system PALS (wavelength 1315 nm, pulse duration 0.3 ns, up to 700 J on target). Charged-particle emission was investigated using a comprehensive set of diagnostics, including magnetic spectrometers and differential absorption spectrometers deployed at multiple angles. Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) emission was measured using an array of broadband B-dot and D-dot probes as well as horn antennas, with a bandwidth extending up to 18 GHz. The signals were recorded by a 33 GHz / 100 GSps oscilloscope via ultra-low-loss cables. The experiments were performed using both metallic foil targets and low-density foam targets. With a help of novel focusing and target positioning system, the focal effective area was minimized and relativistic on-target laser intensities were reached.
Using the above-mentioned diagnostics, we observed target polarization currents of up to 10 kA, escaping electrons with energies exceeding 9 MeV, proton energies up to 5 MeV, and EMP spectral components extending to 18 GHz at an on-target laser power of 2 TW.