Computer simulation of laser proton acceleration for hadron therapy

Abstract

The LegoLPI code was used for simulation of laser-driven proton acceleration with the purpose to find an optimal conditions for the generation of proton beams with parameters required for hadron therapy. The 2D PIC simulations were done for various type of targets (double-layer foils, polyethylene foils, hydrogen jets) and target irradiation conditions (different intensities and polarizations, laser pulse wavelengths and durations, focal spot sizes). It is shown that efficiency of proton generation would be high enough for the optimal condition of target irradiation, but the spectrum of accelerated protons is rather broad for both linearly and circularly polarized laser pulses because of the two-dimensional effects arising when the proton acceleration length is comparable with the focal spot. As follows from the 2D LegoLPI calculations, the efficiency of formation of proton spectrum in energy range of 200-250 MeV and normalized to laser energy may reach values (0.5-1)10 7 protons(MeVJ)-1 for the considered types of laser - targets systems. The performed calculations specify an opportunity of generation proton beams whose parameters meet proton therapy requirements with the use of a laser that would have a peak power of about 1 PW and average power up to 1 kW. The powerful ultra-short pulse lasers, which are under construction in some countries around the world, are very close to the facilities necessary for this purpose. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.