Alpha particle production from novel targets via laser-driven proton-boron fusion

Novel targets were implemented in the beam-driven (in-target) proton-boron fusion with beneficial characteristics (chemical composition and density) compared to the commonly used boron nitride. A fusion-generated alpha particle flux of up to (5×107sr-1J-1) was generated via the proton-boron fusion reactions when irradiating the targets with a moderate laser system (10J, 800fs, 1019Wcm-2). Normalized by laser energy, the alpha particle flux generated in this experiment is comparable with the highest alpha particle yields reported in the literature. We present experimental results with supporting simulations and calculations of the expected alpha particle yield.