Zhiheng Fang | Searcharxiv

arXiv2026

Efficient hot electron generation via low-coherence lasers

Hot electrons generated in laser-produced plasmas are a central focus in inertial confinement fusion, laboratory astrophysics, and high-energy-density physics. These electrons originate from instabilities in nonlinear laser-plasma interactions, which are critically modulated by laser bandwidth. Here, we experimentally demonstrate enhanced generation of hot electrons by utilizing instantaneous low-coherence lasers with two bandwidths (0.2% and 0.6%) at intensities of 2-8x10^{14} W/cm^2 and energies up to 620 J. A significant enhancement of hot electron temperature and hard X-ray yield is observed with the broadband lasers compared to a conventional narrowband laser. The results show that the hot electron energy conversion efficiency of the 0.6% broadband laser is approximately 4 times higher than that of the narrowband laser, reaching a maximum value of 2.8%. These findings validate a moderate-bandwidth laser as an efficient hot electron source and support the generation of bright X-ray sources for advanced imaging in high-energy-density physics.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2023

Investigating the spatial heterogeneity of factors influencing speeding-related crash severities using correlated random parameter order models with heterogeneity-in-means

Speeding has been acknowledged as a critical determinant in increasing the risk of crashes and their resulting injury severities. This paper demonstrates that severe speeding-related crashes within the state of Pennsylvania have a spatial clustering trend, where four crash datasets are extracted from four hotspot districts. Two log-likelihood ratio (LR) tests were conducted to determine whether speeding-related crashes classified by hotspot districts should be modeled separately. The results suggest that separate modeling is necessary. To capture the unobserved heterogeneity, four correlated random parameter order models with heterogeneity in means are employed to explore the factors contributing to crash severity involving at least one vehicle speeding. Overall, the findings exhibit that some indicators are observed to be spatial instability, including hit pedestrian crashes, head-on crashes, speed limits, work zones, light conditions (dark), rural areas, older drivers, running stop signs, and running red lights. Moreover, drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and being unbelted present relative spatial stability in four district models. This paper provides insights into preventing speeding-related crashes and potentially facilitating the development of corresponding crash injury mitigation policies.

stat.AP↗