Development of a Laser-Electrostatic Hybrid Acceleration Propulsion System

Ion acceleration from laser-driven electrostatic shocks

Multi-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations are used to study the generation of electrostatic shocks in plasma and the reflection of background ions to produce high-quality and high-energy ion beams. Electrostatic shocks are driven by the interaction of two plasmas with different density and/or relative drift velocity. The energy and number of ions reflected by the shock increase with increa...

High-acceleration Micro-scale Laser Sails for Interstellar Propulsion

SSC04-XI-6 Advancing the Utility of Small Satellites with the Development of a Hybrid Electric-Laser Propulsion (HELP) System

Some of the major space operational capabilities desired for modernizing and transforming our existing space infrastructure include: 1) in-space robotic assembly of modular structures, 2) routine spacecraft repositioning and rescue services, 3) use of formations of satellites that can perform functions not possible with traditional single large structures. All of these applications can make use...

Laser Accelerated Plasma Propulsion System (LAPPS)

Recently conducted experiments at the University of Michigan and elsewhere have shown that ultrashort pulse (ultrafast) lasers could accelerate charged particles to relativistic speeds. For example a picosecond laser pulse with only one joule of energy can accelerate an electron to MeV energy in just a few microns distance. This takes place through the high gradient potential that manifests its...

Laser Accelerated Heavy-ion Plasma Propulsion System

The Ultrafast “Laser Accelerated Plasma Propulsion System” LAPPS makes use of lasers with very short pulse lengths to accelerate charged particles to relativistic speeds. Recent experimental data reveal that high intensity lasers are capable of producing collimated, charge-neutral proton beams containing more than 6 x 10 particles at a mean energy of 5 MeV with a total beam energy of 500J. If u...