Speaker
Description
Laser-driven particle acceleration based on solid targets [1] is promising for a wide range of applications, from nuclear medicine to materials characterization. Laser-plasma radiation sources are attractive because they can generate various types of radiation (e.g., high-energy electrons, ions, neutrons, and γ-rays), allow for energy tuning, and can operate within potentially compact setups. For example, the precise control of the thickness of solid targets enables tuning of the maximum energy of the accelerated particles [2]. Moreover, the use of advanced targets such as low-density Double-Layer Targets (DLTs) can enhance the coupling between the laser and the generated plasma, leading to an increase in both the energy and number of electrons and ions [2,3]. Therefore, laser-driven radiation sources represent promising alternatives to conventional accelerators which, although based on mature technologies, remain limited in terms of flexibility and compactness.
Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) are complementary materials characterization techniques used in several fields including artworks analysis [4]. They rely on the irradiation of samples with protons and photons to induce characteristic X-ray emission. As shown in recent proof-of-principle studies [5-7], PIXE and XRF could benefit from the use of laser-plasma radiation sources in the near future. Indeed, the energies of the accelerated particles and emitted photons from compact laser-driven particle sources are perfectly compatible with those required for the characterization of cultural heritage materials.
This contribution provides an overview of the laser-driven particle acceleration activities carried out at the Department of Energy of Politecnico di Milano [8]: (i) production of advanced targets like DLTs; (ii) experimental and theoretical studies of laser-driven particle acceleration and transport; (iii) investigation of applications laser-driven sources. After presenting our investigation about modeling of laser-driven Ion Beam Analysis, we focus on the study of laser-driven PIXE and XRF techniques for the analysis of cultural heritage materials. Results obtained during an experimental campaign performed at the ELIMAIA beamline [9] (at the ELI Beamlines facility) driven by the HAPLS laser are presented. Using a proof-of-principle setup [10], laser-driven protons and photons were transported in air to irradiate certified materials, medieval bronzes, and Iron Age ceramics. It is shown how, by measuring the emitted characteristic X-rays, it is possible to determine the composition of the irradiated samples. This study lays the foundation for the development of laser–plasma accelerators tailored to the characterization of cultural heritage materials, suggesting that this approach could achieve results comparable to conventional sources while maintaining the inherent versatility of laser-driven systems.
[1] A. Macchi et al., Reviews of Modern Physics (2013) 85-2
[2] F. Mirani, et al., Physical Review Applied 24.1 (2025): 014017
[3] I. Prencipe, et al., New Journal of Physics 23.9 (2021): 093015
[4] L. Sottili, et al. Applied Sciences 12.13 (2022): 6585
[5] F. Mirani et al., Science Advances (2021) 7-3
[6] P. Puyuelo-Valdes et al., Scientific Reports (2021) 11-9998
[7] M. Salvadori et al., Physical Review Applied (2024) 21-064020
[8] https://www.ensure.polimi.it/
[9] D. Margarone, et al. Quantum Beam Science 2.2 (2018): 8
[10] F. Gatti et al., IEEE Transaction on Instrumentation and Measurement (2024) 73-3536912