A novel 45-channel electron spectrometer for high intensity laser-plasma interaction studies

Abstract

We have developed a magnetic spectrometer to characterize the hot electrons generated in high-intensity (>1018 W/cm2) laser-plasma interaction experiments. It comprises a dispersive element consisting of a permanent dipole magnet and an electron detector incorporating 45 scintillating/light-guiding plastic fibers connected to a cooled charged-coupled device camera. The main features of this instrument are high spectral resolution, low sensitivity to x and γ rays, and versatility due to its compact design. Performance and operational capabilities are illustrated based on experimental results in which electron energy–spectra in the range of 520 keV to 12.6 MeV were obtained with an energy resolution of 10% and a detection threshold of 106 electrons per MeV.