arXiv subjects

Roberto Lera

Publications and source records attributed to Roberto Lera.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

High-repetition-rate source of nanosecond duration kA-current pulses driven by relativistic laser pulses

We report the first high-repetition rate generation and simultaneous characterization of nanosecond-scale return currents of kA-magnitude issued by the polarization of a target irradiated with a PW-class high-repetition-rate Ti:Sa laser system at relativistic intensities. We present experimental results obtained with the VEGA-3 laser at intensities from 5e18 - 1.3e20 W/cm2. A non-invasive inductive return-current monitor is adopted to measure the derivative of return-currents on the order of kA/ns and analysis methodology is developed to derive return-currents. We compare the current for copper, aluminium and Kapton targets at different laser energies. The data shows the stable production of current peaks and clear prospects for the tailoring of the pulse shape, promising for future applications in high energy density science, e.g. electromagnetic interference stress tests, high-voltage pulse response measurements, and charged particle beam lensing. We compare the target discharge of the order of hundreds of nC with theoretical predictions and a good agreement is found.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2023

Imaging electron angular distributions to assess a full-power petawatt-class laser focus

We present a novel technique to assess the focal volume of petawatt-class lasers at full power. Our approach exploits quantitative measurement of the angular distribution of electrons born in the focus via ionization of rarefied gas, which are accelerated forward and ejected ponderomotively by the field. We show that a bivariate ($\theta, \phi$) angular distribution, which was obtained with image plates, not only enables the peak intensity to be extracted, but also reflects nonideality of the focal-spot intensity distribution. In our prototype demonstration at intensities of a few $\times 10^{19}$ to a few $\times 10^{20}$ $\mathrm{W/cm^2}$, an f/10 optic produced a focal spot in the paraxial regime. This allows a plane-wave parameterization of the peak intensity given by $\tan{\theta_c} = 2/a_0$ ($a_0$ being the normalized vector potential and $\theta_c$ the minimum ejection angle) to be compared with our measurements. Qualitative agreement was found using an $a_0$ inferred from the pulse energy, pulse duration and the focal spot distribution with a modified parameterization, $\tan{\theta_c} = 2\eta/a_0$ ($\eta = 2.02^{+0.26}_{-0.22}$). This highlights the need for (i) better understanding of intensity degradation due to focal-spot distortions and (ii) more robust modeling of the ejection dynamics. Using single-shot detection of electrons, we showed that while there is significant shot-to-shot variation in the number of electrons ejected at a given angular position, the average distribution scales with the pulse energy in a way that is consistent with that seen with the image plates. Finally, we note that the asymptotic behavior as $\theta \to 0^{\circ}$ limits the usability of angular measurement. For 800 nm, this limit is at an intensity $\sim 10^{21}\ \mathrm{W/cm^2}$.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

High-repetition-rate solid tape target delivery system for ultra-intense laser-matter interaction at CLPU

The VEGA-3 laser system at the Centro de L\'{a}seres Pulsados (CLPU) delivers laser pulses up to 1PW at 1Hz repetition rate, focused to intensities up to 2.5e20W/cm2. A versatile and compact targetry solution suitable for this repetition rate is presented. The system can operate in the challenging petawatt laser environment close to the laser-plasma interaction. Strips are spooled in a tape target system to deliver a solid density target to the laser focus for every shot. Results are presented for different tape materials and thicknesses. Experimental ion spectra are recorded by a Thomson Parabola Ion Spectrometer coupled with a scintillator screen; and an antenna array is used for the characterization of electromagnetic pulses. The results of both diagnostics show a good shot-to-shot stability of the system.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2022

Ablation Holes in Tape Targets Induced by Ultra-Intense Laser Pulses

We present a theoretical modelling able to predict the dimensions of mm-sized through-holes produced in interactions of the 1 PW high-power 30fs Ti:Sa laser VEGA-3 with tape targets. We find that sizes of through-holes can be calculated by assuming that the full heat transferred from the laser-heated electron population to the target by electron-electron collisions drives the evaporation of target material. We demonstrate the good reproduction of experimental results.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2021

Towards a direct measurement of the quantum vacuum Lagrangian coupling coefficients using two counter propagating super-intense laser pulses

In this paper we will show that photon-photon collision experiments using extreme lasers can provide measurable effects giving fundamental information about the essence of QED, its Lagrangian. A possible scenario with two counterpropagating ultraintense lasers for an experiment to detect scattering between optical photons is analyzed. We discuss the importance of the pulse widths and waists, the best scenario for overlapping the beams and signal detection, as well as ways to distinguish the signal from the noise. This would need a high-precision measurement, with control of temporal jitter and noise. We conclude that such experiment is barely feasible at 10^{23} W/cm^2 and very promising at 10^{24} W/cm^2

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

A Multipurpose End-Station for Atomic, Molecular and Optical Sciences and Coherent Diffractive Imaging at ELI Beamlines

We report on the status of a users' end-station, MAC: a Multipurpose station for Atomic, molecular and optical sciences and Coherent diffractive imaging, designed for studies of structure and dynamics of matter in the femtosecond time-domain. MAC is located in the E1 experimental hall on the high harmonic generation (HHG) beamline of the ELI Beamlines facility. The extreme ultraviolet beam from the HHG beamline can be used at the MAC end-station together with a synchronized pump beam (which will cover the NIR/Vis/UV or THz range) for time-resolved experiments on different samples. Sample delivery systems at the MAC end-station include a molecular beam, a source for pure or doped clusters, ultrathin cylindrical or flat liquid jets, and focused beams of substrate-free nanoparticles produced by an electrospray or a gas dynamic virtual nozzle combined with an aerodynamic lens stack. We further present the available detectors: electron/ion time-of-flight and velocity map imaging spectrometers and an X-ray camera, and discuss future upgrades: a magnetic bottle electron spectrometer, production of doped nanodroplets and the planned developments of beam capabilities at the MAC end-station.

physics.ins-det↗