Osaka researchers accelerate protons to record energy using long-pulse lasers
Researchers at the University of Osaka used long-pulse lasers and graphene targets to accelerate protons to a record energy of 132 MeV.
New method avoids target damage
Previous ultrathin targets were vulnerable to weak prepulses that preceded the main laser pulse. The team adapted the process to create a moving electric field for acceleration. This change reduces concerns about target vulnerabilities during high-energy ion acceleration.
Protons reach half light speed
The experiment utilized ultrathin graphene layers combined with a relatively long laser pulse duration. Simulations confirmed that protons gained energy from the moving electric field over an extended period. The resulting proton energy reached nearly half the speed of light.
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