Enhancement of ion energy and flux by the influence of magnetic reconnection in foam targets

Laser-driven ion acceleration attracts large attention due to variety of applications. In order to enhance accelerated proton energy and flux, we investigate the influence of laser-driven relativistic magnetic reconnection on the ion acceleration processes. In this relativistic regime, the longitudinal electric field becomes significantly enhanced and plays an important role in charged particle acceleration. To realize conditions for the magnetic reconnection, two spatially separated relativistic laser beams were used. The results obtained show a shift of high energy proton propagation direction compare to that corresponding to the target normal sheath acceleration scenario as well as enhancement in proton flux.