High intensity laser interaction with solid-density cryogenic hydrogen jet targets

Ultra-intense short-pulse lasers in the Petawatt regime and intensity range of 1021W/cm2 offer the possibility to study new compact accelerator schemes by utilizing solid density targets for the generation of energetic ion beams. The optimization of the acceleration process demands comprehensive exploration of the involved plasma dynamics. This applies not only on the femtosecond but also on the pico- to nanosecond timescale, where the laser rising edge modifies the target prior to the 30 fs laser peak. Cryogenic hydrogen jet targets with µm-scale transverse size and solid density (5.2x1022 cm-3) offer the superb opportunity for renewable and debris-free acceleration sources and at the same time allow for comprehensive experimental investigation and realistic simulation of the rich physics involved in the laser target interaction. Here, we present the results of an experiment for laser proton acceleration from a cryogenic hydrogen jet target at the DRACO-PW laser. Optimized acceleration performance is achieved by tailoring the targets plasma density via hydrodynamic expansion induced by a short low-intensity pre-pulse. Optical shadowgraphy probing is utilized to give a realistic input of the targets plasma density for 3 dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of the particle acceleration process.