Micro- and nano-structured materials for experiments with high-power lasers
High-power lasers are used worldwide for a very wide range of applications. To cite a few of them, nanosecond terawatt-scale power laser facilities are employed for the research on clean energy production, in the context of Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF), while picosecond and femtosecond petawatt-scale power lasers are used for the acceleration of charged particle (electrons and protons in particular) and for the generation of bright XUV and X-ray sources. In all these situations, the choice of the material constituting the target is crucial to improve the experimental performances. Micro and nano-structured materials are the subject of an intense research activity by the international community due to the advantages they offer for the mentioned applications.
The present expert group comprises members of Laserlab-Europe AISBL with strong common research interests and expertise in the experimental study of the features of the interaction of micro- and nano-structured materials with high power lasers. Their common interest in these research topics over multiple experimental grounds is driving our efforts towards the organization of joint activities and collaborations.
Work Package 1: Modeling and simulations of laser interaction with micro- and nano-structured materials
The modeling of the interaction of the high-power laser pulse with the material is of fundamental importance in determining which physical processes are involved in the interaction and in exploiting the capabilities of the material for specific applications. This WP focuses on promoting the collaboration among the members for developing numerical models and codes dedicated to reproducing the physics of the high-power laser irradiation of the micro- and nano-structured materials.
Work Package 2: Experimental characterization of laser interaction with micro- and nano-structured materials and applications
The characterization of the features of nano/micro structured materials under action of ns and high-power ps/fs laser irradiation is important for understanding the physics of the interaction and for developing applications of these materials in research on ICF, HED and laser-driven particle acceleration. This WP has the purpose of promoting the collaboration among the members to perform experimental campaigns, encouraging the preparation of joint proposals for facilities with competitive access. This WP also fosters the communication among the members to develop new applications of micro- and nano-structured materials and improve the already established ones.
Work Package 3: Micro- and nano-structured targets for high-power laser experiments
The target is one of the fundamental parts of each experiment. It is important to get the right target fulfilling the experimental needs in each experiment. This WP aims at promoting the exchange of information among the Group members for finding the right manufacturer for each designed experiment, linking the Group to manufacturer networks already established when necessary.
For more information, please see the position paper of the expert group.
For additional information on the Expert Group please contact Mattia Cipriani (ENEA).