Optimization of laser-driven ion sources for biomedical applications

Optimization of laser-driven ion sources for biomedical applications
Supervisors: Marco Borghesi  and  Matt Zepf

Summary:
One of the many attractions of laser-matter interactions in the super-intense regime is the possibility of producing high brilliance, directional beams of high-energy ions. Applications of such beams are envisaged in many areas of science, technology and medicine. In particular several projects worldwide are assessing the suitability of laser-driven ions for medical applications (including the EPSRC-funded QUB-led LIBRA project). The studentship would contribute to the effort aiming to optimize the production of high energy sources with the objective of reaching parameters of relevance to cancer radiotherapy. This is a topical objective, particularly in the context of the announcement of the planned introduction of proton therapy in the UK. This is a treatment which is already established in several countries. Laser-driven sources may bring a contribution to this area with the potential of reducing facility cost if some of their unique potential is fully developed.

The student will take part to experimental and technical activity aiming to:
1) increase the ion energy and optimize the energy spectrum.
2) design and develop targetry able to operate at high repetition rate, to include the use of liquid and cryogenic target technology.
Of particular interest is the exploration of emerging acceleration regimes based on the radiation pressure of ultraintense laser radiation, which are highly promising for the provision of hydrogen and carbon ions with characteristics matching cancer therapy requirements, and of novel intensity regimes achievable with newly developed laser systems.
In collaboration with partners within the LIBRA, the student will also be involved in a program of cell irradiation with the ultrashort bursts of laser-driven ions, aiming to test biological effects at very high dose rates.

The project has the potential to provide a key contribution to ongoing  CPP development  in the area of plasma applications to Medicine and Biology.  It will also contribute in placing CPP in a favourable position for exploiting opportunities provided by ultra-high intensity and/or high repetition laser systems to be developed in forthcoming projects (UK: VULCAN 10 PW; EU : ELI).

FUENTE:http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforPlasmaPhysics/PhDVacancies/PhDStudentships/Optimizationoflaser-drivenionsourcesforbiomedicalapplications/

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Leonardo R. Sanabria A.
SCO

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