Generation of fast ions by an efficient coupling of high power laser into snow nanotubes

Generation of fast ions in snow nanotubes irradiated by femtosecond laser pulses in the intensity range of 1016–1017W∕cm2 was investigated. The fast ion energy was measured through x-ray emission spectra of multicharged ions of oxygen. The profile of the He-β and Ly-α in He-like and H-like oxygen lines demonstrates a significant broadening, which may indicate generation of fast He-like and H-like ions with energies of up to 100keV.