Multi-filter diamond array time-of-flight particle detector in laser-plasma experiments

Recent advances in ion diagnostics for laser-induced plasma experiments have improved system design and data analysis. Measuring charged particle emissions from laser-irradiated targets provides valuable insights into laser–matter interactions. Among real-time diagnostics, Time-of-Flight (TOF) detectors are reliable systems for analyzing particle beam properties such as kinetic energy and shot-to-shot reproducibility. Diamond-based detectors are ideal for TOF measurements due to their fast response time, radiation hardness, and low leakage current. However, TOF detectors lack particle discrimination. To overcome this, a Multi Filter Diamond Array (MFDA) was developed using six nominally identical single crystal diamond detectors paired with aluminum foils of different thicknesses to exploit particle stopping power differences. The MFDA was tested at the Prague Asterix Laser System during an experimental campaign in the framework of the FUSION project, and data analysis was performed. A cross-validation with other diagnostics, including a Thomson Parabola Spectrometer and CR-39 detectors, is also presented.