Study of multicharged heavy ion generation from CO₂ laser-produced plasma

Abstract

The results of lead ion generation with charge state from Pb 10+ to Pb 35+ from laser-heated plasma are presented. CO 2 lasers producing 10.6-μm wavelength radiation at power densities in the range 4.10 11 -6.10 14 W/cm 2 in TBKI and CERN were used. Results of detailed numerical simulations presented in the paper are in good agreement with the experimental data. Work done in collaboration with CERN, ITEP, and TBKI was aimed at the specification of requirements for a laser system that will be able to drive an ion source for the hadron collider (LHC) at CERN.