Beam collimation and energy spectrum compression of laser-accelerated proton beams using solenoid field and RF cavity

This paper presents a new method of laser produced proton beam collimation and spectrum compression using a combination of a solenoid field and a RE cavity. The solenoid collects laser-driven protons efficiently within an angle that is smaller than 12 degrees because it is mounted few millimeters from the target, and collimates protons with energies around 2.3 MeV. The collimated proton beam then passes through a RE cavity to allow compression of the spectrum. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations demonstrate the proton beam transport in the solenoid and RE electric fields. Excellent energy compression and collection efficiency of protons are presented. This method for proton beam optimization is suitable for high repetition-rate laser acceleration proton beams, which could be used as an injector for a conventional proton accelerator. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.