Ion current density in an expanding laser plasma

The dependence of the ion current density in an expanding laser plasma on the parameters of the laser radiation, the target material, and the distance from the target is investigated theoretically. Calculations needed to design laser ion sources for accelerator technology are performed. An explanation for the two-peaked shape of the collector signals observed in some experiments with a laser plasma is given. Additional possibilities for obtaining information on the experimental conditions from collector signals are considered. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7842(98)00604-7].