Simulations of proton generation and heating from intense laser irradiated foils

Proton generation, focusing, and heating of solid density material using intense high energy picosecond laser pulses irradiating thin curved foils are simulated using the PIC Hybrid code LSP The efficiency of proton production is studied using a variety of H-rich surface materials, with the highest efficiencies found with heavy hydride surface layers. Using hemispherical targets, improvements in focusing are demonstrated with a larger focal spot due to improved sheath uniformity. Focused proton fluxes are applied to 100 mum size samples, resulting in solid density materials heated to 100- 1000 eV. Preliminary results with focusing hemisphere targets that include a guide cone indicate improved focusing, possibly due to electrostatic guiding along the wall. Comparisons with data and recent results from Omega-EP and Titan will also be discussed.