Abstract

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 γ-rays, positrons, neutrons and pions. The tutorial will show that 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. At present the highest intensity lasers are petawatt lasers which focus to produce intensities on target of about 10²¹ Wcm⁻². Already however new laser concepts can potentially reach intensities of 10²³ Wcm⁻². As a conclusion to this tutorial the amazing physics which can be carried out at these intensities will be described especially the potential for colliding high intensity laser beams.

© 2002 Optical Society of America