Laser activated magnetic field manipulation of laser driven ion beams

18-21. (canceled)

A method of selecting charged particles having a predetermined energy range, from a pulse of charged particles generated by impact of a laser pulse on a target, said method comprising:

• supplying current from an optically switched source to at least one electromagnet generating a magnetic field disposed such that when activated, said charged particles are diverted from their original path;
• and
• switching said at least one magnetic field in synchronization with said laser pulse for a predetermined time period, such that that part of said pulse of charged particles comprising particles of the energy range to be selected, is diverted by said at least one magnetic field.

26-29. (canceled)

A system for selecting charged particles having a predetermined range of energies, from a pulse of charged particles having a range of energies, comprising:

• a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet in mutual proximity, such that when either of said electromagnets is activated, said charged particles are diverted from their original path;
• and
• a control system adapted to activate said first electromagnet to produce a first magnetic field pulse commencing at the moment in time when it is desired to commence diversion of said pulse train of charged particles at one end of said predetermined range of energies, and to activate said second electromagnet to produce a second magnetic field pulse in the reverse direction at the moment in time when it is desired to terminate diversion of said charged particles at the other end of said predetermined range of energies.

A method of selecting charged particles having a predetermined range of energies, from a pulse of charged particles having a range of energies, comprising:

• providing a first magnetic field pulse and a second magnetic field pulse in mutual proximity, such that when either of said magnetic field pulses are applied to said pulse train of charged particles, said charged particles are diverted from their original path;
• and
• applying said first magnetic field pulse to define the moment in time when it is desired to commence diversion of said pulse train of charged particles at one end of said predetermined range of energies, and applying said second magnetic field pulse in the reverse direction to define the moment in time when it is desired to terminate diversion of said charged particles at the other end of said predetermined range of energies.