Nuclear physics using a mere light source

Summary form only given. The interaction of ultra-intense focused laser beams with solid targets is a new field of research resulting in the production of exotic plasma conditions similar to the conditions which exist in the interior of some stellar objects. The lasers generate very high energy electrons and ions which can subsequently produce /spl gamma/-rays, positrons, neutrons and pions. Results obtained from these studies have major implications to fundamental plasma physics and high energy accelerator physics as well as important technological potential for the production of compact sources of protons, neutrons, positrons and isotopes.