Prof Peter Norreys FInstP;

Abstract:

Recent advances in high-energy and high-peak-power laser systems have opened up new possibilities for fundamental physics research. In this work, the potential of twisted light for the generation of gravitational waves in the high frequency regime is explored for the first time. Focusing on Bessel beams, novel analytic expressions and numerical computations for the generated metric perturbations and associated powers are presented. The gravitational peak intensity is shown to reach 1.44 × 10−5 W.m−2 close to the source, and 1.01 × 10−19 W.m−2 ten meters away. Compelling evidence is provided that the properties of the generated gravitational waves, such as frequency, polarisation states and direction of emission, are controllable by the laser pulse parameters and optical arrangements.

Abstract:

In this invited paper, I will touch on some highlights from my research career in the Clarendon Laboratory and in the Central Laser Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, obtained working in partnership with many outstanding international collaborators. These fall under the three broad themes. The first is novel laser-plasma interactions. The second theme is that of extreme field physics using multi-petawatt laser facilities. The third theme is that of inertial fusion studies. All of these studies indicate that an international, dual-use, 20-MJ Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)/Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) facility, with the first 2-MJ at high repetition rate supplying single-shot high energy amplifiers, will open many new exciting avenues for both fundamental physics and high energy density science in the decades ahead.

Abstract:

The commissioning of multi-petawatt class laser facilities around the world is gathering pace. One of the primary motivations for these investments is the acceleration of high-quality, low-emittance electron bunches. Here we explore the interaction of a high-intensity femtosecond laser pulse with a mass-limited dense target to produce MeV attosecond electron bunches in transmission and confirm with three-dimensional simulation that such bunches have low emittance and nano-Coulomb charge. We then perform a large parameter scan from non-relativistic laser intensities to the laser-QED regime and from the critical plasma density to beyond solid density to demonstrate that the electron bunch energies and the laser pulse energy absorption into the plasma can be quantitatively described via the Zero Vector Potential mechanism. These results have wide-ranging implications for future particle accelerator science and associated technologies.