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    Soft-tissue boundary-enhanced proton imaging driven by hollow lasers

    Mengjiao Wang1,3, Shuang Dong2,*, Xinyue Sun1,3, Zhiyong Shi1, Yi Xu1, Zongxin Zhang1, Jiayi Qian1, Jiacheng Zhu1, Xiaoyan Liang1 et al.

    Yuxin Leng1 and Wenpeng Wang1,†

    • *Contact author: dongshuang2023@126.com
    • †Contact author: wangwenpeng@siom.ac.cn

    Phys. Rev. Applied 26, 024084 – Published 31 August, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6kd9-47mv

    Abstract

    We demonstrate high-contrast, edge-enhanced proton imaging using a relativistic hollow Laguerre-Gaussian laser (approximately 1020  W/cm2) incident on nanometer-scale CH foils. In contrast to conventional Gaussian drive, which produces a dotlike proton source, the Laguerre-Gaussian beam generates a ring-shaped proton beam that preferentially enhances peripheral features and enables high-contrast boundary imaging. As a proof of principle, we obtain a clear outline of low-(Z) soft tissue in a beetle specimen, benefiting from the strong sensitivity of proton energy loss to modest density variations. By comparison, x-ray radiography in the same geometry primarily emphasizes high-(Z) components (e.g., skeletal structures). Our results establish Laguerre-Gaussian-laser-driven proton radiography as a promising, complementary modality to x-ray imaging, offering improved soft tissue contrast and potential utility for medical diagnostics and radiotherapy guidance.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

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