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arXiv · 2503.21630

Numerical proof-of-concept of a photon, proton, and positron laser-driven source with nanostructured targets

Marta Galbiati·Kevin Ambrogioni·Leonardo Francesco Claudio Monaco·Maria Sole Galli De Magistris·Davide Orecchia·Francesco Mirani·Alessandro Maffini·Matteo Passoni
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Abstract

A source of high-energy photons, ions, and positrons can be attained with the interaction of ultra-intense femtosecond laser pulses with advanced nanostructured targets. We present and characterise a numerical model that mimics the foam deposition process on solid substrates, as it occurs in Double-Layer Target (DLT) manufacturing. The model is integrated into Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulations in full 3D geometry to study electron acceleration, consequent high-energy photon emission, proton acceleration, and pair production with realistic target and laser parameters. We highlight the importance of realistic foam morphology modelling even at high-laser intensity and the need for specific optimisation of target parameters with realistic PIC simulations to improve radiation production efficiency. Our study shows that the DLT could be a compact multi-purpose scheme to achieve high-brightness photons and high-energy protons and to observe and optimise non-linear Breit-Wheeler pair production.

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Marta Galbiati, Kevin Ambrogioni, Leonardo Francesco Claudio Monaco, Maria Sole Galli De Magistris, Davide Orecchia, Francesco Mirani, Alessandro Maffini, Matteo Passoni. 2025-03-27. Numerical proof-of-concept of a photon, proton, and positron laser-driven source with nanostructured targets. https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.21630

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