Fabrication of micrometre-sized periodic gratings in free-standing metallic foils for laser–plasma experiments

Abstract Engineered targets are expected to play a key role in future high-power laser experiments calling for joined, extensive knowledge materials properties, engineering techniques and plasma physics. In this work, we propose novel patterning procedure of self-supported 10 μm thick Au Cu foils obtaining micrometre-sized periodic gratings as applications. Accessible were considered, by using cold rolling, electron-beam lithography the Ar-ion milling process. The developed allows efficient control grating foil surface on large area. Targets consisting patterned regions 450 × μm, with 2 gratings, prepared 25 mm free-standing foils, preliminary investigations micro-targets interacting an ultrashort, relativistic pulse performed. These test demonstrated that, certain conditions, micro-gratings show enhanced energy absorption higher efficiency accelerating charge particle beams compared planar thin similar thickness.