X-ray radiation production in ultra-intense laser-dense-plasma interactions
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The project focuses on characterisation of high energy photon generation in overdense plasma irradiated by ultra-intense laser pulses. The results will provide new fundamental insight into X-ray generation in dense plasma for which the laser-plasma interaction is volumetric, as opposed to target front surface dominated. Given the dominance of radiation pressure driven-effects at the higher laser intensities planned for future multi-petawatt laser facilities, it is expected that the results of this study will be of broad interest and be reported in high profile publications.
The student's tasks include:
* Numerical investigation of ultra-intense laser plasma interaction in the radiation pressure dominated regime;
* Investigation of the production of X-ray and synchrotron-like radiation and the influence of laser hole boring on the efficiency of laser energy conversion to high energy photons ;
* Experimental investigation to test the predictions of the above simulation programme using high power laser facilities.
The student's tasks include:
* Numerical investigation of ultra-intense laser plasma interaction in the radiation pressure dominated regime;
* Investigation of the production of X-ray and synchrotron-like radiation and the influence of laser hole boring on the efficiency of laser energy conversion to high energy photons ;
* Experimental investigation to test the predictions of the above simulation programme using high power laser facilities.
Organisations
Publications
Jarrett J
(2018)
Reflection of intense laser light from microstructured targets as a potential diagnostic of laser focus and plasma temperature
in High Power Laser Science and Engineering
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509760/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2021 | |||
| 1811641 | Studentship | EP/N509760/1 | 30/09/2016 | 30/03/2020 | Jonathan Jarrett |
| Description | I have carried out research investigating ways to improve understanding of ultra high intensity laser-plasma interactions, and their applications. I have written a paper demonstrating a potential new technique for diagnosing the on-shot plasma temperature and focal spot size, both of which are important parameters to know when trying to optimise the acceleration of particles during the interaction. Diagnosing these properties during the interaction of the laser and the plasma is currently very difficult to do, and so this new method may prove to be of great use in further experiments. Research has been carried out looking at stripe patterns that form in the laser light transmitted through the target. Analysis of these structures has proven interesting, as they may lead to further understanding of the physics of laser-plasma interactions. The exact cause of the patterns is still in question, but extensive modelling has been carried out to investigate their formation, and several possible explanations have been explored. |
| Exploitation Route | I have demonstrated a potential new technique for diagnosing the on-shot plasma temperature and focal spot size, both of which are important parameters to know when trying to optimise the acceleration of particles during the interaction. Diagnosing these properties during the interaction of the laser and the plasma is currently very difficult to do, and so this new method may prove to be of great use in further experiments. The exact cause of the stripes in the transmitted light is still in question. Additional work could be carried out by others to progress this further once more computing power becomes available to allow high resolution, 3D simulations to be run, as the modelling carried out so far has been limited by the computational resources available. This may lead to the development of new diagnostic techniques by using these stripes to probe the physical properties of the plasma. |
| Sectors | Energy Healthcare Other |
| URL | https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/high-power-laser-science-and-engineering/article/reflection-of-intense-laser-light-from-microstructured-targets-as-a-potential-diagnostic-of-laser-focus-and-plasma-temperature/70C37C7393D2D4847523A77508833BAB |