This article is cited in 1 paper

Reviews (based on the materials of the XLVIII Vavilov Readings on Luminescence, Moscow, April 17, 2024)

Laser-plasma high energy physics in relativistic self-trapping of extreme light

V. Yu. Bychenkov

P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

Abstract: Based on a presentation at the 48th Vavilov Readings (Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, April 17, 2024), a review is given of current issues in laser-plasma high energy physics associated with self-trapping of light pulses in relativistic plasma. An analysis is made of electron acceleration in this regime by relativistically intense laser pulses up to sub-GeV energies with multi-nanocoulomb charge carried by the accelerated electron bunch and their possible radiation/nuclear applications. The discussion of the latter includes generation of synchrotron-type secondary radiation from laser-irradiated transparent targets or converter targets in the range from hard X-rays to gamma-rays; generation of terahertz pulses, including unique half-cycle/unipolar pulses; generation of neutrons and positrons; possible deep radiography of strongly shielded objects based on laser-induced ultrabright gamma-ray bursts; an all-optical inverse Compton source for high spatial resolution radiography; and radiation FLASH therapy using laser-accelerated ultrahigh energy electrons.

Keywords: laser pulse, laser electron acceleration, relativistic intensity, gamma-rays, X-rays, terahertz radiation, nuclear processes, photonuclear reactions, relativistic self-trapping of laser pulse, radiography, radiotherapy, neutrons, electron-positron pairs, plasma, converter.

Received: 15.09.2024

 English version: Quantum Electronics, 2025, 51:suppl. 8, S617–S652