Ultrathin Polymer Films for Short-Pulse Laser-Driven Proton, Deuteron, and Carbon Ion Beams

Planar polymer targets are a fundamental component of high-energy-density (HED) laser experiments in which ion acceleration by high-intensity short-pulse lasers is being investigated. HED physics experimenters at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) have pioneered the development of laser-driven proton, deuteron, and carbon ion acceleration; progressive experiments have required targets of controlled composition, thickness, and density. Here, we describe recent progress made in the production of ultrathin planar CH₂ and CD₂ targets of varying density for these experiments, fielded at LANL's Trident laser facility.