Speaker
Description
The realization of compact positron source is of great importance for a wide range of applications such as positron annihilation spectroscopy for material science. Moreover, a number of applications could benefit from short pulse duration (sub-100 ps) positron beams.
The interaction of a high-intensity laser with high-Z solid targets can be used to produce a population of relativistic electrons which, in turn, initiate an electromagnetic cascade in the target emitting a positron beam together with electrons and X-rays. This technique can be used to produce high-current mildly relativistic to relativistic positron beams suitable for applications in a compact setup.
Preliminary experiments using the TARANIS laser facility at Queen’s University providing intensities $\sim10^{19} \: W/cm^2$ on target and simulations using the Monte-Carlo scattering code FLUKA were performed to design a compact and high-quality positron source at the Queen’s University of Belfast. Results of preliminary experiments, simulations and plans to optimize the positron source will be presented.
