Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of laser-driven multiradiation sources based on double-layer targets.

Double-layer targets (DLTs), made of a low-density foam on top of a solid substrate, can efficiently convert the energy of a high-intensity laser to provide sources of photons and protons. We investigate a 30-fs pulse with a peak intensity of I∼8.7×10^{20}W/cm^{2} and a peak power of ∼120 TW interacting with a DLT using three-dimensional (3D) particle-in-cell simulations.

Towards compact laser-driven accelerators: exploring the potential of advanced double-layer targets.

The interest in compact, cost-effective, and versatile accelerators is increasing for many applications of great societal relevance, ranging from nuclear medicine to agriculture, pollution control, and cultural heritage conservation. For instance, Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) is a non-destructive material characterization technique applied to environmental analysis that requires MeV-energy ions. In this context, superintense laser-driven ion sources represent a promising alternative to conventional accelerators.

Pulsed laser deposition of single-layer MoS on Au(111): from nanosized crystals to large-area films.

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS) is a promising material for heterogeneous catalysis and novel two-dimensional (2D) optoelectronic devices. In this work, we synthesized single-layer (SL) MoS structures on Au(111) by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. By controlling the PLD process, we were able to tune the sample morphology from low-coverage SL nanocrystals to large-area SL films uniformly wetting the whole substrate surface.

Ultra-intense laser interaction with nanostructured near-critical plasmas.

Near-critical plasmas irradiated at ultra-high laser intensities (I > 10W/cm) allow to improve the performances of laser-driven particle and radiation sources and to explore scenarios of great astrophysical interest. Near-critical plasmas with controlled properties can be obtained with nanostructured low-density materials. By means of 3D Particle-In-Cell simulations, we investigate how realistic nanostructures influence the interaction of an ultra-intense laser with a plasma having a near-critical average electron density.

Evolution of the graphite surface in phosphoric acid: an AFM and Raman study.

Phosphoric acid is an inorganic acid used for producing graphene sheets by delaminating graphite in (electro-)chemical baths. The observed phenomenology during the electrochemical treatment in phosphoric acid solution is partially different from other acidic solutions, such as sulfuric and perchloric acid solutions, where the graphite surface mainly forms blisters. In fact, the graphite surface is covered by a thin layer of modified (oxidized) material that can be observed when an electrochemical potential is swept in the anodic current regime.

Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy for nanostructured thin film density evaluation.

In this paper, we report on two fast and non-destructive methods for nanostructured film density evaluation based on a combination of energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy for areal density measurement and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for thickness evaluation. These techniques have been applied to films with density ranging from the density of a solid down to a few [Formula: see text], with different compositions and morphologies. The high resolution of an electron microprobe has been exploited to characterize non-uniform films both at the macroscopic scale and at the microscopic scale.