Ultrathin Graphene Targets Enable Record Proton Acceleration to 132 MeV

Researchers from the University of Osaka and international collaborators have achieved record proton acceleration using ultrathin, large-area suspended graphene targets in a laser-driven ion acceleration experiment. This method pushes protons to 132 MeV, nearly half the speed of light, offering a compact alternative to conventional particle accelerators with applications in medicine and astrophysics. The team overcame challenges related to target destruction by laser prepulses through the use of graphene just a few nanometers thick.

Originally published by gnews