Heavy-ion source using a laser-generated plasma transported through an axial magnetic field

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Abstract
Results of transporting a laser-generated plasma through magnetic fields are reported. Plasma plumes have been generated in strong magnetic fields, in directions both transverse and parallel to the field. Collective effects are demonstrated by the plasma while in the high-density state near the laser target. The formation of the plasma and its transport through an axial magnetic field enhances the relative amount of highest charge states and the lowest charge states. The focusing properties of the magnetic field near the extractor gap can prove useful in enhancing ion density at the anode aperture of the extractor gap. It is suggested that the duty cycle of laser ion sources can be extended by simply increasing the ion flight time through the magnetic field from the laser target to the extractor gap without appreciable loss of ions. Further, it is suggested that energy spread in a given ion species can be made small by using an extractor potential programmed to increase in time relative to the laser fire time.