Steering Laser Pulses



The Australian National University and the Tala Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai have published a study in the journal Laser and Photonic Reviews. The team has shown a new way to steer a beam of relativistic electron pulses. 

The scientists used an ultrahigh intensity femtosecond laser. Beams of high energy electrons are important for applications like medical therapies and imaging. These beams are created from accelerators. These are expensive, complex,  large size devices with high powered control and electrical systems. Each accelerator is specifically geared, making modifications difficult. High intensity femtosecond laser pulses are pointed at plasma targets and the beaming of the electrons is usually along the direction of the laser itself. 

Scientists are looking to discover ways to get electrons at larger fluxes, like a solid target. This larger flux would control the directionality of electrons. The control of energies is from the laser's incident direction. The beams are broad in their angular speed and even broader at higher intensities. In the past, changing direction or beam width was very difficult.  New lasers use a solid with a surface decorated with nanopillars.  The scientists produce MeV energy pulses of electrons. The electrons are driven into a narrow beam by adjusting the laser incidence angle.

The nanostructure intensifies the local electric fields. It provides higher acceleration than planar surfaces can produce. To summarize, the steering of electrons in specified directions is greatly advanced by these nanoparticles. The authors call this, "plasma nanophotonics"

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mike Giradi from Stereotimes commentary on Holostage Room Treatments

Queen Bee 🐝

New Highly Conductive Polymer