Strong-field Physics in Solids

The study of high-intensity laser-matter interaction is very promising in terms of extracting rich fundamental physics involved behind various phenomenon happening at the atomic level. Such studies have been made possible only due to the development of very sophisticated laser systems capable of delivering optical powers comparable to the strong inter-nuclear attractions holding together the electrons inside atoms or molecules constituting a given media. Generation of laser-like ultraviolet and soft X-ray radiation by utilizing lasers operating at near-infrared or mid-infrared laser wavelength is one such phenomenon we focus to study in this project. Many fundamental aspects of this phenomenon happening inside gases or low-density plasmas are well understood. However, the true mechanism of the similar phenomenon recently demonstrated by researchers in solids is yet to be confirmed. Our expertise currently lies in the study of laser-matter interaction inside low-density plasmas. We plan to study the similar laser interactions happening in specially fabricated thin films (i.e. in solids phase) of similar materials used to produce that plasma. The correlation between our previous understanding of the laser-plasma interactions and the experimental results we will obtain in our proposed experiments will be useful in extending our understanding of the less understood mechanism… (TBC)

Faculty Supervisor:

Tsuneyuki Ozaki

Student:

Partner:

The University of Tokyo

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: