Laser-driven ion acceleration: development and potential applications

Laser-driven ion acceleration is a frontier of laser plasma physics which has been developed in recent decades. Energetic ion beam generated in the interaction of laser and matter has unique properties such as high brilliance, compact size, ultra-short duration, and low emittance. These advantages are particularly suitable for many potential applications. This paper describes the main physical mechanism of ion acceleration driven by ultrashort laser. It reviews the progress of a series of laser-driven ion acceleration experiments. At last, it provides a brief introduction of several potential applications of laser-driven ion sources.