Proton and ion beams generated with a CO2 laser

The proton- and ion generation experiment is initiated at the BNL's ATF where thin-foil targets are irradiated by a 1-TW, picosecond CO2 laser. A particle beam is produced in the normal direction to the foil's rare surface. A spectrometer equipped with CR-39 dosimetry plates reveals proton- and ion spectra in the sub-MeV energy range. Comparison with results of previous experiments that used solid-state lasers allows for verification of wavelength scaling of the ion- and proton laser acceleration. We present simulations that lead the way toward further up-scaling of proton beam energy and luminocity in order to answer the demand for compact proton sources and injectors for scientific, medical and industrial applications.