Optically Switchable MeV Ion/Electron Accelerator

The versatility of laser accelerators in generating particle beams various types is often promoted as a key applicative advantage. These multiple particles, however, are generated on vastly different irradiation setups, so that switching from one type to another involves substantial mechanical changes. In this letter, we report laser-based accelerator generates either multi-MeV electrons or ions the same thin-foil setup. Switching generation achieved by introducing an auxiliary pulse, which pre-explodes foil tens ns before main pulse. We present experimental characterization emitted terms energy, charge, divergence, and repeatability, conclude with several examples prospective applications for industry research.