Laser-driven particle acceleration utilizing nm-thin diamond foils: Improved ion acceleration for cancer therapy, improved electron acceleration and potentially ultra-brilliant X-ray beams for medical diagnostics

摘要

Compared to former laser ion acceleration schemes like target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) [1], the laser acceleration from ultra-thin diamond-like carbon (DLC) foils is more efficient and for the high-power short-pulse laser ATLAS proton energies up to 100 MeV are expected [2]. Also for the generation of very dense relativistic electron bunches the use of ultra-thin diamond foils leads to much better results [3] than for laser bubble acceleration [4], By reflection of coherent electromagnetic fields from these relativistic electron bunches it seems possible to generate brilliant, intense X-ray beams [5]. In the longer term we plan to use the laser-driven ion beams for cancer therapy and the X-ray beams in medical diagnostics. We describe the present status and the expected beam properties for the upgraded ATLAS laser at MPQ (Garching) and the setup of our medical beam line.