Scattering of ultrashort laser pulses on plasmons in a Maxwellian plasma

On the basis of equations obtained in the framework of second-order quantum-mechanical perturbation theory,the standard approach to the calculation of scattering radiation probability is extended to the case of ultrashort laser pulses.Weinvestigate the mechanism of the appearance of plasmon peaks in the spectrum of the plasma form factor for different parameters of the problem.For the case in which scattering on plasmons dominates over scattering on electron density fluctuations caused by chaotic thermal motion,we derive analytical expressions describing the scattering probability of ultrashort laser pulses on plasmons.Together with this,we obtain a simple expression connecting the frequency of scattered radiation and the energy transmitted from the incident pulse to plasmon,and vice versa.In considering the scattering probability,our emphasis is on the dependence on the pulse duration.Weassess in detail the trends of this dependence for various relations between pulse carrier frequency and plasmon energy.

XFEL and HHG interaction with matter:Effects of ultrashort pulses and random spikes

The theory of photoionization describing the interaction of x-ray free-electron laser(XFEL)pulses and high-harmonic-generated(HHG)radiation is generalized to ultrashort laser pulses,where the concept of the standard ionization probability per unit time in Fermi’s golden rule and in Einstein’s theory breaks down.Numerical calculations carried out in terms of a generalized photoionization probability for the total duration of pulses in the near-threshold regime demonstrate essentially nonlinear behavior,while absolute values may change by orders of magnitude for typical XFEL and HHG pulses.XFEL self-amplified spontaneous emission pulses are analyzed to reveal general features of photoionization for random and regular spikes:the dependences of the nonlinear photoionization probability on carrier frequency and spike duration are very similar,allowing an analytical expectation value approach that is valid even when there is only limited knowledge of random and regular parameters.Numerical simulations carried out for typical parameters demonstrate excellent agreement.

On the study of hydrodynamic instabilities in the presence of background magnetic fields in high-energy-density plasmas

Blast-wave-driven hydrodynamic instabilities are studied in the presence of a background B-field through experiments and simulations in the high-energy-density(HED)physics regime.In experiments conducted at the Laboratoire pour l’utilisation des lasers intenses(LULI),a laserdriven shock-tube platform was used to generate a hydrodynamically unstable interface with a prescribed sinusoidal surface perturbation,and short-pulse x-ray radiography was used to characterize the instability growth with and without a 10-T B-field.The LULI experiments were modeled in FLASH using resistive and ideal magnetohydrodynamics(MHD),and comparing the experiments and simulations suggests that the Spitzer model implemented in FLASH is necessary and sufficient for modeling these planar systems.These results suggest insufficient amplification of the seed B-field,due to resistive diffusion,to alter the hydrodynamic behavior.Although the ideal-MHD simulations did not represent the experiments accurately,they suggest that similar HED systems with dynamic plasma-β(=2μ_(0)ρv^(2)/B^(2))values of less than∼100 can reduce the growth of blast-wave-driven Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities.These findings validate the resistive-MHD FLASH modeling that is being used to design future experiments for studying B-field effects in HED plasmas.

Design and current progress of the Apollon 10 PW project

The objective of the Apollon project is the generation of 10 PW peak power pulses of 15 fs at 1 shot/minute. In this paper the Apollon facility design, the technological challenges and the current progress of the project will be presented.

Target fabrication for the POLAR experiment on the Orion laser facility

This article describes the fabrication of a suite of laser targets by the Target Fabrication group in the Central Laser Facility(CLF), STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory for the first academic-access experiment on the Orion laser facility(Hopps et al., Appl. Opt. 52, 3597–3601(2013)) at Atomic Weapons Establishment(AWE). This experiment, part of the POLAR project(Falize et al., Astrophys. Space Sci. 336, 81–85(2011); Busschaert et al., New J. Phys. 15, 035020(2013)),studied conditions relevant to the radiation-hydrodynamic processes occurring in a remarkable class of astrophysical star systems known as magnetic cataclysmic variables. A large number of complex fabrication technologies and research and development activities were required to field a total of 80 high-specification targets. Target design and fabrication procedures are described and initial alignment and characterization data are discussed.

Millijoule ultrafast optical parametric amplification as replacement for high-gain regenerative amplifiers

We report on the development of an ultrafast optical parametric amplifier front-end for the Petawatt High Energy Laser for heavy Ion eXperiments(PHELIX)and the Petawatt ENergy-Efficient Laser for Optical Plasma Experiments(PEnELOPE)facilities.This front-end delivers broadband and stable amplification up to 1 mJ per pulse while maintaining a high beam quality.Its implementation at PHELIX allowed one to bypass the front-end amplifier,which is known to be a source of pre-pulses.With the bypass,an amplified spontaneous emission contrast of 4.9×10^(−13)and a pre-pulse contrast of 6.2×10^(−11)could be realized.Due to its high stability,high beam quality and its versatile pump amplifier,the system offers an alternative for high-gain regenerative amplifiers in the front-end of various laser systems.

Yb掺杂原子数分数为0.5%的Yb∶Y_3Al_5O_(12)晶体的光谱分析

采用提拉法生长了Yb掺杂原子数分数为0.5%的Yb∶Y3Al5O12(Yb∶YAG)晶体,对晶体的吸收光谱和荧光光谱进行了分析。与Yb掺杂原子数分数为5%的Yb∶YAG晶体进行了对比,得出采用940 nm激光二极管(LD)抽运晶体最为合适。原子数分数为0.5%的Yb∶YAG晶体相对于原子数分数为5%的Yb∶YAG晶体自吸收效应的影响要小。测量了原子数分数为0.5%的Yb∶YAG晶体的荧光寿命为0.95 ms,与理论值很接近。因此采用原子数分数为0.5%的Yb∶YAG晶体作为激光工作物质将有利于高效、小型集成化的固体激光器的发展。

Future for inertial-fusion energy in Europe:a roadmap

The recent achievement of fusion ignition with laser-driven technologies at the National Ignition Facility sets a historic accomplishment in fusion energy research.This accomplishment paves the way for using laser inertial fusion as a viable approach for future energy production.Europe has a unique opportunity to empower research in this field internationally,and the scientific community is eager to engage in this journey.We propose establishing a European programme on inertial-fusion energy with the mission to demonstrate laser-driven ignition in the direct-drive scheme and to develop pathway technologies for the commercial fusion reactor.The proposed roadmap is based on four complementary axes:(ⅰ)the physics of laser-plasma interaction and burning plasmas;(ⅱ)high-energy high repetition rate laser technology;(ⅲ)fusion reactor technology and materials;and(ⅳ)reinforcement of the laser fusion community by international education and training programmes.We foresee collaboration with universities,research centres and industry and establishing joint activities with the private sector involved in laser fusion.This project aims to stimulate a broad range of high-profile industrial developments in laser,plasma and radiation technologies along with the expected high-level socio-economic impact.