Laser-accelerated particle beams for stress testing of materials

Laser-driven particle acceleration, obtained by irradiation of a solid target using an ultra-intense (I>1018W/cm2) short-pulse (duration<1 ps) laser, is a growingfield of interest, inparticular for its manifold potential applications in different domains. Here, we provideexperimental evidence that laser-generated particles, in particular protons, can be used forstress testing materials and are particularly suited for identifying materials to be used inharsh conditions. We show that these laser-generated protons can produce, in a very shorttime scale, a strong mechanical and thermal damage, that, given the short irradiation time,does not allow for recovery of the material. We confirm this by analyzing changes in themechanical, optical, electrical, and morphological properties offive materials of interest to beused in harsh conditions.