Laser–Plasma Accelerators and Radiation Sources

Preface Acknowledgments Author biography 1 Introduction References 2 Ultrashort intenselasers 2.1 Short pulse generation and amplification methods 2.1.1 Q-switching 2.1.2 Mode-locking 2.1.3 CPA technique 2.2 Characterization and manipulation of ultrashort lasers 2.2.1 Temporal pulse characterization methods 2.2.2 Waveform control of ultrashort laser pulses 2.3 Laser focus control techniques 2.3.1 Gaussian beam propagation 2.3.2 Wavefront of laser pulses 2.3.3 Measuring and controlling wavefront of laser pulses 2.3.4 Chromatic aberrations of ultrashort laser pulses Exercises References 3 Instrumentations for laser–plasma interaction with ultra-intense lasers 3.1 Vacuum systems 3.1.1 Vacuum pumps and gauges 3.1.2 Vacuum techniques for laser–plasma experiments 3.2 Optical systems 3.2.1 Selections of optics 3.2.2 Focusing geometry 3.2.3 Focal spot monitoring method 3.3 Target systems 3.3.1 Low-density plasma mediums 3.3.2 High-density plasma mediums 3.4 Detection systems 3.4.1 Cameras 3.4.2 Spectrometers 3.4.3 Interferometers 3.4.4 Radiation detections 3.4.5 Charged particle detections Practices References 4 Laser particle accelerators 4.1 Relativistic laser–plasma interactions 4.1.1 Optical field ionization 4.1.2 Charged particle motion in a strong laser field 4.1.3 Laser propagation though an under-dense plasma 4.2 Laser electron acceleration 4.2.1 Electron bunch injection to plasma wave 4.2.2 Acceleration processes 4.3 Particle-in-cell simulation method for laser particle accelerations 4.4 Laser ion acceleration Practices References 5 Radiation sources from laser–plasma interactions 5.1 High-order harmonics 5.2 X-ray lasers based on laser plasma 5.3 Betatron radiation 5.4 Other radiation sources Practices References 6 Applications of laser–plasma sources 6.1 Secondary sources from intense lasers and their applications 6.2 Applications of particle and radiation sources by relativistic laser–plasma interactions References References