arXiv subjects

S. W. Jolly

Publications and source records attributed to S. W. Jolly.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Wavefront shaping of terahertz radiation using two-color flying-focus pulses with time-dependent focal velocities

Properly phased two-color laser pulses drive photoionization currents that emit broadband THz radiation. With a conventional two-color pulse, the ionization front travels at a nearly constant superluminal velocity, generating THz radiation with conical wavefronts at a Cherenkov-like angle. Here we show that the dynamic intensity peak of a two-color ultrashort flying-focus pulse can be used to control the shape of the THz wavefronts. Simulations demonstrate that non-uniform motion of the intensity peak and the ionization front it drives result in a time-dependent emission angle that determines the wavefront shape. A decelerating intensity peak, in particular, enables the generation of THz radiation with parabolic wavefronts that are well suited for collection and focusing.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Programmable Focal Elongation and Shaping of High-Intensity Laser Pulses using Adaptive Optics

Controlling the intensity distribution of laser pulses in the focal region is essential for optimizing optically generated plasma waveguides and enabling advanced plasma acceleration techniques, including dephasingless wakefield acceleration. Here, we present a method for programmatic structuring of the high-intensity focal region of a standard off-axis parabolic mirror, extending the length of this region well beyond the Rayleigh length and enabling control over the longitudinal intensity distribution. The theoretical framework is validated through numerical simulations and experimental measurements. Further, we demonstrate the use of this technique in an existing plasma accelerator system using readily available hardware components. Finally, we illustrate the potential application of this method to multi-GeV laser plasma acceleration and the generation of flying foci, research areas which would significantly benefit from improved programmatic structuring of high-intensity laser pulses.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2018

LUX -- A Laser-Plasma Driven Undulator Beamline

The LUX beamline is a novel type of laser-plasma accelerator. Building on the joint expertise of the University of Hamburg and DESY the beamline was carefully designed to combine state-of-the-art expertise in laser-plasma acceleration with the latest advances in accelerator technology and beam diagnostics. LUX introduces a paradigm change moving from single-shot demonstration experiments towards available, stable and controllable accelerator operation. Here, we discuss the general design concepts of LUX and present first critical milestones that have recently been achieved, including the generation of electron beams at the repetition rate of up to 5 Hz with energies above 600 MeV and the generation of spontaneous undulator radiation at a wavelength well below 9 nm.

physics.acc-ph↗