Collimated particle acceleration by vortex laser-induced self-structured “plasma lens”

A micrometer-scale “plasma lens” self-constructed by the prepulse and main pulse of Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) laser is realized to enhance collimation acceleration proton beams in a target normal sheath field mechanism. Hydrodynamic FLASH particle-in-cell simulations are carried out find that collimated source with beam divergence ∼2.7° generated LG laser, which smaller than case driven traditional Gaussian laser. It demonstrates curved on plays an important role collimation. Such approach considerably relaxes constraints complex design for fabrication auxiliary pulse, opening new doors high-repetition-rate accelerations innovative applications upcoming petawatt systems.