Ultra-high Field Nanophotonics
Abstract
Nanostructured surfaces can fundamentally change the way in which intense light couples into materials, potentially transforming matter into new states. Recent research has shown that aligned sub-wavelength nanostructures can guide ultrahigh intensity laser light deep into materials, where is nearly totally absorbed. This increased coupling efficiency and the change from what is essentially a surface interaction into a volumetric one, creates a new near solid density material environment characterized by ultra-high temperatures and extreme electromagnetic fields, giving rise to unusual phenomena. We have experimentally demonstrated that trapping ~ 60 fs laser pulses of relativistic intensity deep into aligned nanowire arrays volumetrically heats the near solid density material to extreme temperatures, generating Gigabar pressures (Nature Phot. 7, 796, 2013). We computed laser-induced currents of Mega-Ampere /?m2 through the nanowires that give rise to Giga-Gauss quasi-static magnetic fields (Phys. Rev. Lett.,117,035004,2016). We observed a record conversion efficiency into x-rays (Optica 4,1344,2017), and the acceleration of ions to multy-MeV energies resulting in micro-scale fusion and efficient quasi-monoenergetic neutron pulse generation (Nature Comm., 9:1077,2018). Here we propose to change the paradigm of ultra-intense laser/nanostructure research investigating a new unexplored regime in which relativistic single-cycle laser pulses (~3 fs duration) will create a dramatically different environment in which electrons ripped-off from the nanowires will fill the surrounding gaps in the absence of ions. Electrons will be accelerated unobstructed into single nano-bunches by field intensities up to an order of magnitude larger than those of the laser itself, producing collimated attosecond bursts of intense x-ray and gamma ray radiation. The interaction will also produce a volume of extremely hot-plasma in which heavy atoms will be stripped of most of their electrons (eg. Au+70), potentially leading to for example intense beams of highly charged ions. Moreover, the ultrashort pulse duration will allow us to reach relativistic intensities up to 1?1021 Wcm-3 with only modest laser pulse energies that compact lasers can generate at very high repetition rates. This game-changing strategy will open a path towards relativistic kHz experiments, greatly increasing the possibility of translating fundamental findings into applications. We propose to systematically study key fundamental aspects of the relativistic single-cycle interactions by conducting experiments in coordination with fully relativistic 3D particle-in-cell simulations. Specifically, we will investigate how the laser pulse energy is coupled and transported into nanostructured materials as compared to uniform solids, how gigantic electromagnetic fields and materials at extreme conditions can be efficiently generated, how electrons and ions are accelerated in the process, and how the laser energy can be converted into directed x-ray and gamma ray radiation. The fundamental understanding gained can lead to disruptive technologies that can impact DoD capabilities in predictable and un-forecasted ways. These include: materials engineered to control interactions with intense laser light, techniques to efficiently create ultra-intense electromagnetic fields and ultra-high energy density matter, compact high average flux sources of directed high energy particles, and bright sources of x-ray and gamma-ray attosecond pulses. This exciting science will offer excellent opportunities for training students and young scientists in laser-material interactions, high power lasers, bright x-ray generation, and particle acceleration. Moreover, we have the capability to develop in-house the necessary advanced laser drivers and diagnostics tools, creating a rich training environment in frontier research with new instruments that will contribute to advance and translate the science.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012842
Entities
People
- Jorge G. Rocca
Organizations
- Colorado State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy