Title :
Relativistic nonlinear optics of free electrons in laser-driven plasmas
Author_Institution :
Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Abstract :
Summary form only given. We discuss recent experimental results obtained in a new regime in the interactions of light with matter enabled by tabletop lasers capable of delivering ultrashort (femtosecond) duration pulses, focusable to intensities exceeding one exawatt per square centimeter (10/sup 18/ W/cm/sup 2/). Novel nonlinear optical phenomena, such as relativistic self-focusing, self-modulation and harmonic generation by Thomson scattering, occur when electrons at the laser focus become relativistic in a single optical cycle. Collimated beams of MeV-energy electrons and ions result from enormous space-charge fields (exceeding 1 GeV/cm), driven by Gbar light pressure.
Keywords :
high-speed optical techniques; optical harmonic generation; optical self-focusing; relativistic electron beams; relativistic plasmas; self-phase modulation; wakefield accelerators; Thomson scattering; collimated beams; electron beams; free electrons; harmonic generation; ion beams; laser-driven plasmas; light-matter interactions; nonlinear optical phenomena; relativistic electrons; relativistic nonlinear optics; relativistic self-focusing; self-modulation; single optical cycle; space-charge fields; tabletop lasers; ultrashort duration pulses; Electron beams; Electron optics; Free electron lasers; Light scattering; Nonlinear optics; Optical harmonic generation; Optical pulses; Optical scattering; Particle beam optics; Ultrafast optics;
Conference_Titel :
Nonlinear Optics: Materials, Fundamentals, and Applications, 2000. Technical Digest
Conference_Location :
Kaua´i-Lihue, HI, USA
Print_ISBN :
1-55752-646-X
DOI :
10.1109/NLO.2000.883655
