Laser pulses are focused by an f /2.3 off-axis parabola (OAP) onto thin plastic foil targets, thereby generating a plasma. Protons are accelerated in the plasma and propagate away from the foil. The kinetic energy distribution of the protons was measured by two TPSs (TPS15 and TPS45, positioned at 15° and 45° with respect to the laser propagation direction) and a TOF detector (TOF31, positioned at 31°). The spatial proton beam profile was characterized either by an imaged scintillator screen or by a radiochromic film stack (not shown). Laser light transmitted through the target was collected by a ceramic screen.
