arXiv subjects

Alexis Casner

Publications and source records attributed to Alexis Casner.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Roadmap for warm dense matter physics

This roadmap presents the state-of-the-art, current challenges and near future developments anticipated in the thriving field of warm dense matter physics. Originating from strongly coupled plasma physics, high pressure physics and high energy density science, the warm dense matter physics community has recently taken a giant leap forward. This is due to spectacular developments in laser technology, diagnostic capabilities, and computer simulation techniques. Only in the last decade has it become possible to perform accurate enough simulations \& experiments to truly verify theoretical results as well as to reliably design experiments based on predictions. Consequently, this roadmap discusses recent developments and contemporary challenges that are faced by theoretical methods, and experimental techniques needed to create and diagnose warm dense matter. A large part of this roadmap is dedicated to specific warm dense matter systems and applications in astrophysics, inertial confinement fusion and novel material synthesis.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2021

Laser astrophysics experiment on the amplification of magnetic fields by shock-induced interfacial instabilities

Laser experiments are becoming established as a new tool for astronomical research that complements observations and theoretical modeling. Localized strong magnetic fields have been observed at a shock front of supernova explosions. Experimental confirmation and identification of the physical mechanism for this observation are of great importance in understanding the evolution of the interstellar medium. However, it has been challenging to treat the interaction between hydrodynamic instabilities and an ambient magnetic field in the laboratory. Here, we developed an experimental platform to examine magnetized Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI). The measured growth velocity was consistent with the linear theory, and the magnetic-field amplification was correlated with RMI growth. Our experiment validated the turbulent amplification of magnetic fields associated with the shock-induced interfacial instability in astrophysical conditions for the first time. Experimental elucidation of fundamental processes in magnetized plasmas is generally essential in various situations such as fusion plasmas and planetary sciences.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2007

Liquid Transport Due to Light Scattering

Using experiments and theory, we show that light scattering by inhomogeneities in the index of refraction of a fluid can drive a large-scale flow. The experiment uses a near-critical, phase-separated liquid, which experiences large fluctuations in its index of refraction. A laser beam traversing the liquid produces a large-scale deformation of the interface and can cause a liquid jet to form. We demonstrate that the deformation is produced by a scattering-induced flow by obtaining good agreements between the measured deformations and those calculated assuming this mechanism.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2004

Optical Deformability of Fluid Interfaces

The formation, deformation, and break-up of liquid interfaces are ubiquitous phenomena in nature. In the present article we discuss the deformation of a liquid interface produced by optical radiation forces. Usually, the bending of such an interface by the radiation pressure of a c.w. laser beam is weak. However, the effect can be enhanced significantly if one works with a near-critical phase-separated liquid mixture, whereby the surface tension becomes weak. The bending may in this way become as large as several tenths of micrometers, even with the use of only moderate laser power. This near-criticality is a key element in our experimental investigations as reviewed in the article. The effect is achieved by working with a micellar phase of microemulsions, at room temperature. We give a brief survey of the theory of electromagnetic forces on continuous matter, and survey earlier experiments in this area, such as the Ashkin-Dziedzic optical radiation force experiment on a water/air surface (1973), the Zhang-Chang experiment on the laser-induced deformation of a micrometer-sized spherical water droplet (1988), and the experiment of Sakai et al. measuring surface tensions of interfaces in a non-contact manner (2001). Thereafter, we survey results we obtained in recent years by performing experiments on near-critical interfaces, such as interface bending in the linear regime, stationary large deformations of liquid interfaces, asymmetric pressure effects on interfaces under intense illumination, nonlinear deformations, and laser-sustained liquid columns.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2003

Asymmetric Optical Radiation Pressure Effects on Liquid Interfaces Under Intense Illumination

Deformations of horizontal liquid interfaces by optical radiation pressure are generally expected to display similar behaviors whatever the direction of propagation of the exciting laser beam is. In the present experiment we find this expectation to be borne out, as long as the cw laser illumination is moderate in strength. However, as a striking contrast in the case of high field strengths, we find that either a large stable tether can be formed, or else that a break-up of the interface can occur, depending on whether the laser beam is upward or downward directed. Physically, the reason for this asymmetry can be traced to whether total reflection can occur or not. We also present two simple theoretical models, one based on geometrical optics, the other on wave optics, that are able to illustrate the essence of the effect. In the case leading to interface disruption our experimental results are compared with those obtained by Zhang and Chang for water droplets under intense laser pulses [Opt. Lett. \textbf{13}, 916 (1988)]. A key point in our experimental investigations is to work with a near-critical liquid/liquid interface. The surface tension becomes therefore significantly reduced, which thus enhances the magnitude of the stationary deformations induced.

physics.optics↗