REFOCUS

We propose evaluating the following laser parameters: focus position, energy, fluence, pulse duration, power, contrast ratio, peak intensity and polarization in focus. The detection methods are based on the side-effect phenomena occurring when high-power laser pulses are focused on solid targets for HHG and LPA experiments. We will analyze theoretically and experimentally the properties of thermal radiation (ThR) generated from the ablation plasma, low harmonics (LH) radiation generated from solid targets during HHG experiments, and accelerated electrons (AE) and related electromagnetic pulses (EMP) radiation generated during LPA experiments, in correlation with the pump laser properties. We propose developing new efficient detection systems for ThR, EMP and AE, based on optical fibers, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and antenna, to increase the signals amplitude, to get close to the focus placed on target, and to be less sensitive to the shape and content of the interaction chamber

Implementation of the project will involve collaboration of two experienced teams in the field of high-power lasers (from UPB and INFLPR) and will provide practical methods for real-time evaluation of the laser parameters in situ, in focus, in high-power laser labs (e.g. CETAL and ELI-NP facilities). The results will be published in at least 3 ISI papers in high impact journals, will be presented at 4 national/ international conferences and workshops, will be published in an ISI book/ chapter, will be applied for one national patent, and will support 5 PhD students and 15 PhD researchers