Multi-species ion acceleration with high power lasers and their detection

The first chapter focuses on ion acceleration dynamics, particularly the acceleration of protons and carbon ions. The interplay between these species and its impact on acceleration efficiency is examined through an experiment employing the Vulcan Petawatt laser at the Central Laser Facility.

To complement the experimental findings, 2D particle-in-cell simulations were performed to investigate the underlying acceleration mechanisms responsible for generating the highest-energy ions. The results reveal a complex acceleration process, combining Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) and Radiation Pressure Acceleration (RPA), which are enhanced by the target undergoing transparency. The presence of heavier carbon ions within the expanding target also enhances proton acceleration, through the generation of the charged fields from the carbon ions.