Laser-Plasma Interactions Scottish Graduate Series

A Solid Compendium of Advanced Diagnostic and Simulation Tools

Exploring the most exciting and topical areas in this field, Laser-Plasma Interactions focuses on the interaction of intense laser radiation with plasma. After discussing the basic theory of the interaction of intense electromagnetic radiation fields with matter, the book covers three applications of intense fields in plasma: inertial fusion, wakefield accelerators, and advanced radiation sources.

Collecting contributions from a host of international experts, the book provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental concepts of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, before moving on to selected advanced topics from the field. It describes state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and experimental techniques used to study laser-plasma interactions as well as simulation tools for modeling these interactions.

With a focus on current research trends, this book guides readers to the brink of the most stimulating challenges in the field. It also gives readers an appreciation of the underlying phenomena linking several applications.

Preface. Laser-Driven Plasmas: A Gateway to High Energy Density Physics and a Test-Bed for Nonlinear Science. An Experimentalist’s Perspective on Plasma Accelerators. Waveguides for High Intensity Laser Pulses. Harnessing Plasma Waves as Radiation Sources and Amplifiers. High Intensity Laser-Plasma Interaction Experiments. Computational Challenges in Laser-Plasma Interactions. Particle Acceleration in Plasmas. Laboratory Astrophysics Using High Energy Density Photon and Electron Beams. Acceleration of Photons and Quasi-Particles. Relativistic Phenomena in Plasma Solitons. Interference Stabilization of Atoms in a Strong Laser Field. Entanglement and Wave Packet Structures in Photoionization and Other Decay Processes of Bipartite Systems. Intense Field Quantum Electrodynamics. Fundamentals of ICF Hohlraums. Dense Plasma Physics—The Microphysics of Laser-Produced Plasmas. Progress in Fast Ignition. Fusion Targets. Direct-Drive Inertial Fusion: Basic Concepts and Ignition Target Designing. Ablative Richtmyer–Meshkov Instability: Theory and Experimental Results. Index.