arXiv subjects

Patrizio Antici

Publications and source records attributed to Patrizio Antici.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

On the generation of astrophysically-relevant intermittent magnetic turbulence in the laboratory

Intermittent magnetic turbulence, namely the presence of non-ordered and clusterized fields, is a ubiquitous phenomenon in space and astrophysical plasmas. It is currently understood that it plays a crucial role in the dynamics of astrophysical systems at all scales, from influencing the evolution of the cosmos as a whole to governing local particle acceleration. While there is direct evidence of turbulence in the solar wind, and despite progress obtained through multi-wavelength observations, most of our knowledge of it outside the solar system derives from indirect evidence, through modeling. Here we show that magnetic turbulence, that quantitatively matches that measured in space, can be reproduced in the laboratory. Starting from a homogeneous magnetized plasma, we randomly perturb it using a speckled laser beam. Using proton radiography, we can follow the development and quantitatively characterize the produced intermittent turbulence from its inception.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2024

Characterization and performance of the Apollon main short-pulse laser beam following its commissioning at 2 PW level

We present the results of the second commissioning phase of the short-focal-length area of the Apollon laser facility (located in Saclay, France), which was performed with the main laser beam (F1), scaled to a peak power of 2 PetaWatt. Under the conditions that were tested, this beam delivered on-target pulses of maximum energy up to 45 J and 22 fs duration. Several diagnostics were fielded to assess the performance of the facility. The on-target focal spot and its spatial stability, as well as the secondary sources produced when irradiating solid targets, have all been characterized, with the goal of helping users design future experiments. The laser-target interaction was characterized, as well as emissions of energetic ions, X-ray and neutrons recorded, all showing good laser-to-target coupling efficiency. Moreover, we demonstrated the simultaneous fielding of F1 with the auxiliary 0.5 PW F2 beam of Apollon, enabling dual beam operation. The present commissioning will be followed in 2025 by a further commissioning stage of F1 at the 8 PW level, en route to the final 10 PW goal.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2024

A "lighthouse" laser-driven staged proton accelerator allowing for ultrafast angular and spectral control

Compact laser-plasma acceleration of fast ions has made great strides since its discovery over two decades ago, resulting in the current generation of high-energy ($\geq 100\,\rm MeV$) ultracold beams over ultrashort ($\leq 1\,\rm ps$) durations. To unlock broader applications of these beams, we need the ability to tailor the ion energy spectrum. Here, we present a scheme that achieves precisely this by accelerating protons in a "lighthouse" fashion, whereby the highest-energy component of the beam is emitted in a narrow cone, well separated from the lower-energy components. This is made possible by a two-stage interaction in which the rear surface of the target is first set into rapid motion before the main acceleration phase. This approach offers the additional advantages of leveraging a robust sheath acceleration process in standard micron-thick targets and being optically controllable.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2024

Optimizing laser coupling, matter heating, and particle acceleration from solids using multiplexed ultraintense lasers

Realizing the full potential of ultrahigh-intensity lasers for particle and radiation generation will require multi-beam arrangements due to technology limitations. Here, we investigate how to optimize their coupling with solid targets. Experimentally, we show that overlapping two intense lasers in a mirror-like configuration onto a solid with a large preplasma can greatly improve the generation of hot electrons at the target front and ion acceleration at the target backside. The underlying mechanisms are analyzed through multidimensional particle-in-cell simulations, revealing that the self-induced magnetic fields driven by the two laser beams at the target front are susceptible to reconnection, which is one possible mechanism to boost electron energization. In addition, the resistive magnetic field generated during the transport of the hot electrons in the target bulk tends to improve their collimation. Our simulations also indicate that such effects can be further enhanced by overlapping more than two laser beams.

physics.plasm-ph↗