ABSTRACT
A terse account of application features is given that reveals the broad range of requirements for particle energy (from KeV for ions to GeV levels for ions and electrons), integrated fluence, repetition rate and overall beam quality. As in the introduction, a clear distinction is made between more sophisticated applications requiring an integrated laser-driven accelerator system and those that might need only part of the emergent spray with minimal collection optics from the laser–plasma source region at the target site. The latter is particularly relevant to applications that could be doable within the near-term. In contrast, applications such as the irradiation of space solar cells and production of radioisotopes will likely require stable operation of the integrated laser-driven accelerator system for extended durations at KHz repetition rates. In parallel pursuit of two paths, the highest particle energies at very low repetition rates and lower particle energies at much higher repetition rates are encouraged in an overall development strategy aimed at highlighting the uniqueness of laser-driven acceleration. Relevant to the repetition-rated integrated accelerator system and for cases where the number of high-energy particles are not amply provided by the laser-driven source alone, we distinguish the ‘all-optical’ and hybrid, post-acceleration schemes. We emphasize the critical value of meaningful near-term applications that are realistically doable and therefore can bring milestone demonstrations en route. Cautionary remarks are included regarding applications for which cost and size reduction of the laser-driven accelerator system is critical. A summary reminder of the ALPA book aims is listed in the discussion of prospects for applications of laser-driven particle acceleration.
