Real-Time Electron Solvation Induced by Bursts of Laser-Accelerated Protons in Liquid Water

Phys Rev Lett. 2021 Oct 29;127(18):186001. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.186001.

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms of proton energy deposition in matter and subsequent damage formation is fundamental to radiation science. Here we exploit the picosecond (10^{-12} s) resolution of laser-driven accelerators to track ultrafast solvation dynamics for electrons due to proton radiolysis in liquid water (H_{2}O). Comparing these results with modeling that assumes initial conditions similar to those found in photolysis reveals that solvation time due to protons is extended by >20 ps. Supported by magnetohydrodynamic theory this indicates a highly dynamic phase in the immediate aftermath of the proton interaction that is not accounted for in current models.