are accelerated over a few μm along the target normal direction. After the acceleration process is over and the target is disrupted (~ns), the ions leave the target in a quasi-neutral cloud together with [...] High-Energy Laser for Heavy Ion EXperiments (PHELIX) hits a solid target (E < 25 J, τ = 500 fs, I > 10 19 J/cm 2 ) and drives the TNSA (Target Normal Sheath Acceleration) mechanism. A selected part of the [...] critical surface and accelerates hot electrons into the target material (b). The electrons are transported under a divergence angle through the target, leave the rear side and form a dense electron sheath