Longwave Infrared Laser Driven Ion Accelerators

ended

"Europe is taking a world-leading role in developing new technologies crucial for meeting the needs of the multi-billion-euro particle accelerator market in healthcare, science and industry. Laser driven plasma accelerators are a disruptive technology developing hand-in-hand with the ongoing revolution in high power lasers. Research in laser driven accelerators typically utilise near-IR pulses, but there are benefits in using longer laser wavelengths which enables the use of lower density plasmas, boosting some accelerator properties. This project will capitalise on recent advances in CO2 lasers to experimentally develop repetitive ion accelerators driven by high-power longwave infrared pulses, which are focused to intensities so extreme that a plasma at laser focus is driven to velocities approaching the speed of light. This project will do this through three main research thrusts: 1) development of novel and comprehensive diagnostics for high repetition rate, enabling 2) the first characterisation of ""electrostatic collisionless shockwaves"" in high intensity-gas interaction, thought to accelerate narrowband ion beams, and 3) the investigation of high intensity laser solid interaction with unprecedented diagnostic access made possible by the long laser wavelength, providing unique insight into fundamentals which underpin the ion acceleration process. The project will therefore develop a new frontier in intense laser-plasma interactions and energetic ion sources with extremely high peak current, low transverse emittance and easily varied ion species, providing a promising alternative to conventional accelerators. This cutting-edge research combined with advanced training and networking opportunities at Imperial College London will not only position me at the front of an emerging field, enhancing future career prospects, but also reinforce European R&D in advanced accelerator concepts from a new perspective."