Dynamics of supra-thermal carbon ion emission driven by single and double femtosecond-laser-pulses

The interaction of high-intensity laser pulses in the regime up to 1018 W/cm2 is studied on a solid-density glassy carbon target. Emphasis is placed on the laser intensity, fluence, and duration, and their influence on the key parameters of the supra-thermal ion emission, such as charge state distribution, kinetic energy, and yield. For this purpose, supra-thermal emission is generated over a wide range of laser parameters in single- and double-pulse configurations. The results are then analyzed using the Saha equations to determine the prevalent plasma conditions during emission. One-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations were performed using the MULTI-FS code to gain insight into the plasma evolution on picosecond timescales and to compare the results to the experimental findings. The presented results highlight the optimal laser conditions, as well as limitations, to improve the prospects of laser-based ion sources.