Efficient generation of fast ions from surface modulated nanostructure targets irradiated by high intensity short-pulse lasers

It's shown that the imposition of sub-laser wavelength relief structures on the surface of mass-limited-targets results into several folds higher short-pulse laser absorption, and consequently the efficient generation of fast ions. The optimum relief parameters for enhanced short-pulse laser absorption and higher ion acceleration are estimated numerically by particle-in-cell simulations and then corroborated by analytical scalings. The stability of the pre-imposed surface modulation during the laser pulse foil interaction is also examined. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3641965]