High-energy-density plasma in femtosecond-laser-irradiated nanowire-array targets for nuclear reactions

In this work,the high-energy-density plasmas(HEDP)evolved from joule-class-femtosecond-laser-irradiated nanowire-array(NWA)targets were numerically and experimentally studied.The results of particle-in-cell simulations indicate that ions accelerated in the sheath field around the surfaces of the nanowires are eventually confined in a plasma,contributing most to the high energy densities.The protons emitted from the front surfaces of the NWA targets provide rich information about the interactions that occur.We give the electron and ion energy densities for broad target parameter ranges.The ion energy densities from NWA targets were found to be an order of magnitude higher than those from planar targets,and the volume of the HEDP was several-fold greater.At optimal target parameters,8%of the laser energy can be converted to confined protons,and this results in ion energy densities at the GJ/cm^(3) level.In the experiments,the measured energy of the emitted protons reached 4 MeV,and the changes in energy with the NWA’s parameters were found to fit the simulation results well.Experimental measurements of neutrons from 2H(d,n)3He fusion with a yield of(24±18)×10^(6)/J from deuterated polyethylene NWA targets also confirmed these results.

激光加速质子束肿瘤治疗研究现状与展望

质子放射治疗是现代癌症治疗的重要手段之一,由于其精确的靶区剂量递送和良好疗效而得到了广泛的关注.基于高功率激光器的激光质子加速技术有望通过小型化和低复杂度等优势为质子治疗提供具有竞争力的加速方案.同时,激光质子束还具有宽能谱、超高瞬态流强和超短脉冲等特点,为探究超高剂量率放疗导致的生物学效应及可能的优势提供了有利的研究条件.在过去的数年里,我们借助北京大学紧凑型激光等离子体加速器以及在建的北京激光加速创新中心实验平台,陆续开展了涵盖激光质子加速、束流传输控制、辐射生物学和免疫学等方面的理论与实验研究,以探讨激光质子放疗的可行性与优势.本文从这些方面对国内外前沿研究进行了总结,并着重探讨了剂量递送与生物学效应方面的研究进展和面临的问题,最后对激光质子放疗的未来发展前景进行了讨论和展望.

Preparation of a wearable K-PAN@CuS composite fabric with excellent photothermal/electrothermal properties

Electrospun nanofibers with highly efficient photothermal/electrothermal performance are extremely popular because of their great potential in wearable heaters.However,the lack of necessary wearable properties such as high mechanical strength and quick response of electrospun micro/nanofibers seriously affects their practical application.In this work,a technical route combining electrospinning and surface modification technology is proposed.The 3-triethoxysilylpropylamine-polyacrylonitrile@copper sulfide(K-PAN@CuS)composite fabric was achieved by modifying the original electrospinning PAN fiber and subsequently loading CuS nanoparticles.The results show that the break strength of the K-PAN@CuS fabric was increased by 10 times compared to that of the original PAN@CuS fabric.Furthermore,the saturated temperature of the K-PAN@CuS fabric heater could reach 116℃within 15 s at a relatively low voltage of 3 V and 120.3℃within 10 s under an infrared therapy lamp(100 W).In addition,due to its excellent conductivity,such a unique structural design enables the fiber to be closely attached to the human skin and helps to monitor human movements.This K-PAN@CuS fabric shows great potential in wearable heaters,hyperthermia,all-weather thermal management,and in vitro physical therapy.

Synchronous post-acceleration of laser-driven protons in helical coil targets by controlling the current dispersion

Post-acceleration of protons in helical coil targets driven by intense,ultrashort laser pulses can enhance ion energy by utilizing the transient current from the targets’self-discharge.The acceleration length of protons can exceed a few millimeters,and the acceleration gradient is of the order of GeV/m.How to ensure the synchronization between the accelerating electric field and the protons is a crucial problem for efficient post-acceleration.In this paper,we study how the electric field mismatch induced by current dispersion affects the synchronous acceleration of protons.We propose a scheme using a two-stage helical coil to control the current dispersion.With optimized parameters,the energy gain of protons is increased by four times.Proton energy is expected to reach 45 MeV using a hundreds-of-terawatts laser,or more than 100 MeV using a petawatt laser,by controlling the current dispersion.

Laser-driven plasma collider for nuclear studies

A novel method of initiating nuclear fusion reactions in a full plasma environment was suggested, and a proof-of-concept experiment was carried out with the D t D ! n t3 He reaction. In this new approach, two plasma jets generated by high-intensity lasers collide headon-head. The center-of-mass energy of the nuclei increases accordingly, and therefore, reaction products can be significantly enhanced, especially in the sub-Coulomb barrier ranges. As a result of the fusion reaction, up to 7:6 105 neutrons had been observed. This new type of ‘‘plasma collider'' could provide an innovative tool to study nuclear reactions under astrophysical conditions.

Fabrication of large-area uniform carbon nanotube foams as near-critical-density targets for laser–plasma experiments

Carbon nanotube foams(CNFs)have been successfully used as near-critical-density targets in the laser-driven acceleration of high-energy ions and electrons.Here we report the recent advances in the fabrication technique of such targets.With the further developed floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition(FCCVD)method,large-area(>25 cm^(2))and highly uniform CNFs are successfully deposited on nanometer-thin metal or plastic foils as double-layer targets.The density and thickness of the CNF can be controlled in the range of 1−13 mg/cm^(3)and 10−200µm,respectively,by varying the synthesis parameters.The dependence of the target properties on the synthesis parameters and the details of the target characterization methods are presented for the first time.

Measurement and analysis of K-shell lines of silicon ions in laser plasmas

We present laboratory measurement and theoretical analysis of silicon K-shell lines in plasmas produced by Shenguang II laser facility, and discuss the application of line ratios to diagnose the electron density and temperature of laser plasmas.Two types of shots were carried out to interpret silicon plasma spectra under two conditions, and the spectra from 6.6 ?A to6.85 ?A were measured. The radiative-collisional code based on the flexible atomic code(RCF) is used to identify the lines, and it also well simulates the experimental spectra. Satellite lines, which are populated by dielectron capture and large radiative decay rate, influence the spectrum profile significantly. Because of the blending of lines, the traditional G value and R value are not applicable in diagnosing electron temperature and density of plasma. We take the contribution of satellite lines into the calculation of line ratios of He-α lines, and discuss their relations with the electron temperature and density.

Laboratory study of astrophysical collisionless shock at SG-Ⅱ laser facility

Astrophysical collisionless shocks are amazing phenomena in space and astrophysical plasmas, where supersonic flows generate electromagnetic fields through instabilities and particles can be accelerated to high energy cosmic rays. Until now, understanding these micro-processes is still a challenge despite rich astrophysical observation data have been obtained. Laboratory astrophysics, a new route to study the astrophysics, allows us to investigate them at similar extreme physical conditions in laboratory. Here we will review the recent progress of the collisionless shock experiments performed at SG-Ⅱ laser facility in China. The evolution of the electrostatic shocks and Weibel-type/filamentation instabilities are observed. Inspired by the configurations of the counter-streaming plasma flows, we also carry out a novel plasma collider to generate energetic neutrons relevant to the astrophysical nuclear reactions.