ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the use of laser-accelerated ion beams in ion beam analysis (IBA). It aims to contribute toward realizing a society where the people can have reasonable and easy access to IBA applications. The chapter introduces the progress of the ultrafast intense laser science. It discusses the physics of interactions between ultrafast intense laser pulses and solid matters to understand the mechanism of ion beam acceleration with intense laser pulses. Progress of ultrashort pulse laser technology with the invention of chirped pulse amplification has been increasing peak power and intensity of laser pulses dramatically. The generation mechanism and characteristics of the laser-accelerated proton beams are deeply related to the fast electron dynamics during or immediately after the laser interaction. To use the laser-accelerated proton beams for IBA, a stable supply of the proton beams over mega–electron volt energy is necessary. In summary, laser-accelerated proton energy is increased by using a polyethylene foil with localized metal deposition.
