Hybrid ion acceleration with ultrathin composite foils irradiated by high intensity circularly-polarized laser light

A complete analytical description of ion acceleration in the laser radiation-pressure regime is presented. The combined effects of hot electron and light-pressure phenomena are used to qualitatively and quantitatively describe most recent experimental results in this regime. An essential part of the developed model is exhibited in the calculation of nonlinear laser light reflection and transmission properties, as well as in the spectral characterization of the laser light after interaction. The validity of the analytical model is supported by recent experimental results and by particle-in-cell simulations.