Comparison of Characteristics of Proton Beams Accelerated by a Short Laser Pulse with an Energy of about 2 J from Ultrathin Foils and Targets with Preplasma

Key Points

• The research aims to compare the characteristics of proton beams generated by short laser pulses from different target types.
• Three-dimensional numerical simulations were performed to study proton beam acceleration.
• Preplasma parameters were calculated using the FRONT hydrodynamic code.
• Target expansion was simulated under the action of a nanosecond pulse.
• Proton beams from thin foils showed distinct acceleration characteristics compared to those from preplasma targets.
• Differences in beam quality and energy distribution were noted between the two acceleration methods.