Publications

2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019

Sont listées ci-dessous, par année, les publications figurant dans l'archive ouverte HAL.

2024

Shock compression experiments using the DiPOLE 100-X laser on the high energy density instrument at the European x-ray free electron laser: Quantitative structural analysis of liquid Sn
- Gorman M. G.
- Mcgonegle D.
- Smith R. F.
- Singh S.
- Jenkins T.
- Mcwilliams R. S.
- Albertazzi B.
- Ali S. J.
- Antonelli L.
- Armstrong M. R.
- Baehtz C.
- Ball O. B.
- Banerjee S.
- Belonoshko A. B.
- Benuzzi-Mounaix A.
- Bolme C. A.
- Bouffetier V.
- Briggs R.
- Buakor K.
- Butcher T.
- Di Dio Cafiso S.
- Cerantola V.
- Chantel Julien
- Di Cicco A.
- Clarke S.
- Coleman A. L.
- Collier J.
- Collins G. W.
- Comley A. J.
- Coppari F.
- Cowan T. E.
- Cristoforetti G.
- Cynn H.
- Descamps A.
- Dorchies F.
- Duff M. J.
- Dwivedi A.
- Edwards C.
- Eggert J. H.
- Errandonea D.
- Fiquet G.
- Galtier E.
- Laso Garcia A.
- Ginestet Helene
- Gizzi L.
- Gleason A.
- Goede S.
- Gonzalez J. M.
- Harmand M.
- Hartley N. J.
- Heighway P. G.
- Hernandez-Gomez C.
- Higginbotham A.
- Höppner H.
- Husband R. J.
- Hutchinson T. M.
- Hwang H.
- Lazicki A. E.
- Keen D. A.
- Kim J.
- Koester P.
- Konopkova Z.
- Kraus D.
- Krygier A.
- Labate L.
- Lee Y.
- Liermann H.-P.
- Mason P.
- Masruri M.
- Massani B.
- Mcbride E. E.
- Mcguire C.
- Mchardy J. D.
- Merkel Sébastien
- Morard G.
- Nagler B.
- Nakatsutsumi M.
- Nguyen-Cong K.
- Norton A.-M.
- Oleynik I. I.
- Otzen C.
- Ozaki N.
- Pandolfi S.
- Peake D. J.
- Pelka A.
- Pereira K. A.
- Phillips J. P.
- Prescher C.
- Preston T. R.
- Randolph L.
- Ranjan D.
- Ravasio A.
- Redmer R.
- Rips J.
- Santamaria-Perez D.
- Savage D. J.
- Schoelmerich M.
- Schwinkendorf J.-P.
- Smith J.
- Sollier A.
- Spear J.
- Spindloe C.
- Stevenson M.
- Strohm C.
- Suer T.-A.
- Tang M.
- Toncian M.
- Toncian T.
- Tracy S. J.
- Trapananti A.
- Tschentscher T.
- Tyldesley M.
- Vennari C. E.
- Vinci T.
- Vogel S. C.
- Volz T. J.
- Vorberger J.
- Walsh J. P. S.
- Wark J. S.
- Willman J. T.
- Wollenweber L.
- Zastrau U.
- Brambrink E.
- Appel K.
- Mcmahon M. I.
Journal of Applied Physics, American Institute of Physics, 2024, 135 (16), pp.165902. X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) sources coupled to high-power laser systems offer an avenue to study the structural dynamics of materials at extreme pressures and temperatures. The recent commissioning of the DiPOLE 100-X laser on the high energy density (HED) instrument at the European XFEL represents the state-of-the-art in combining x-ray diffraction with laser compression, allowing for compressed materials to be probed in unprecedented detail. Here, we report quantitative structural measurements of molten Sn compressed to 85(5) GPa and ∼3500 K. The capabilities of the HED instrument enable liquid density measurements with an uncertainty of ∼1% at conditions which are extremely challenging to reach via static compression methods. We discuss best practices for conducting liquid diffraction dynamic compression experiments and the necessary intensity corrections which allow for accurate quantitative analysis. We also provide a polyimide ablation pressure vs input laser energy for the DiPOLE 100-X drive laser which will serve future users of the HED instrument. (10.1063/5.0201702)
DOI : 10.1063/5.0201702
Laser-driven quasi-static B-fields for magnetized high-energy-density experiments
- Vlachos C.
- Ospina-Bohórquez V.
- Bradford P W
- Pérez-Callejo G.
- Ehret M.
- Guillon P.
- Lendrin M.
- Vaisseau X.
- Albertazzi B.
- Soussan E.
- Koenig M.
- Malko S.
- Kaur C.
- Gjevre M.
- Fedosejevs R.
- Bailly-Grandvaux M.
- Walsh C A
- Florido R.
- Suzuki-Vidal F.
- Mcguffey C.
- Saret J.
- Beg F N
- Chodukowski T.
- Pisarczyk T.
- Rusiniak Z.
- Dostal J.
- Dudzak R.
- Calisti Annette
- Ferri S.
- Volpe L.
- Woolsey N C
- Gremillet L.
- Tikhonchuk V.
- Santos J J
Physics of Plasmas, American Institute of Physics, 2024, 31 (3). We present measurements of magnetic fields generated in laser-driven coil targets irradiated by laser pulses of nanosecond duration, 1.053 μm wavelength, 500 J energy, and ∼1015 W/cm2 intensity, at the LULI2000 facility. Using two perpendicular probing axes, proton deflectometry is used to characterize the coil current and static charge at different times. Results reveal various deflection features that can be unambiguously linked to a looping quasi-steady current of well-understood polarity or to a static charging of the coil surface. Measured currents are broadly consistent with predictions from a laser-driven diode-current source and lumped circuit model, supporting the quasi-steady assessment of the discharges. Peak magnetic fields of ∼50 T at the center of 500-μm-diameter coils, obtained at the moderate laser intensity, open up the use of such laser-driven coil targets at facilities worldwide to study numerous phenomena in magnetized high-energy-density plasmas, and its potential applications. (10.1063/5.0190305)
DOI : 10.1063/5.0190305
Collisionless shock acceleration of protons in a plasma slab produced in a gas jet by the collision of two laser-driven hydrodynamic shockwaves
- Marquès J.-R.
- Lancia L.
- Loiseau P.
- Forestier-Colleoni P.
- Tarisien M.
- Atukpor E.
- Bagnoud V.
- Brabetz C.
- Consoli F.
- Domange J.
- Hannachi F.
- Nicolaï P.
- Salvadori M.
- Zielbauer B.
Matter and Radiation at Extremes, AIP Publishing, 2024, 9 (2), pp.024001. We have recently proposed a new technique of plasma tailoring by laser-driven hydrodynamic shockwaves generated on both sides of a gas jet [Marquès et al., Phys. Plasmas 28, 023103 (2021)]. In a continuation of this numerical work, we study experimentally the influence of the tailoring on proton acceleration driven by a high-intensity picosecond laser in three cases: without tailoring, by tailoring only the entrance side of the picosecond laser, and by tailoring both sides of the gas jet. Without tailoring, the acceleration is transverse to the laser axis, with a low-energy exponential spectrum, produced by Coulomb explosion. When the front side of the gas jet is tailored, a forward acceleration appears, which is significantly enhanced when both the front and back sides of the plasma are tailored. This forward acceleration produces higher-energy protons, with a peaked spectrum, and is in good agreement with the mechanism of collisionless shock acceleration (CSA). The spatiotemporal evolution of the plasma profile is characterized by optical shadowgraphy of a probe beam. The refraction and absorption of this beam are simulated by post-processing 3D hydrodynamic simulations of the plasma tailoring. Comparison with the experimental results allows estimation of the thickness and near-critical density of the plasma slab produced by tailoring both sides of the gas jet. These parameters are in good agreement with those required for CSA. (10.1063/5.0178253)
DOI : 10.1063/5.0178253
Advanced spectroscopic investigation of colour centres in LiF crystals irradiated with monochromatic hard x-rays
- Vincenti M
- Montereali R
- Bonfigli F
- Nichelatti E
- Nigro V
- Piccinini M
- Koenig M
- Mabey P
- Rigon G
- Dabrowski H
- Benkadoum Y
- Mercere P
- da Silva P
- Pikuz T
- Ozaki N
- Makarov S
- Pikuz S
- Albertazzi Bruno
Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, IOP Publishing [1989-....], 2024, 36 (20), pp.205701. Abstract Nominally-pure lithium fluoride (LiF) crystals were irradiated with monochromatic hard x-rays of energy 5, 7, 9 and 12 keV at the METROLOGIE beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron facility, in order to understand the role of the selected x-ray energy on their visible photoluminescence (PL) response, which is used for high spatial resolution 2D x-ray imaging detectors characterized by a wide dynamic range. At the energies of 7 and 12 keV the irradiations were performed at five different doses corresponding to five uniformly irradiated areas, while at 5 and 9 keV only two irradiations at two different doses were carried out. The doses were planned in a range between 4 and 1.4 × 10 3 Gy (10.5 mJ cm −3 to 3.7 J cm −3 ), depending on the x-ray energy. After irradiation at the energies of 7 and 12 keV, the spectrally-integrated visible PL intensity of the F 2 and F 3 + colour centres (CCs) generated in the LiF crystals, carefully measured by fluorescence microscopy under blue excitation, exhibits a linear dependence on the irradiation dose in the investigated dose range. This linear behaviour was confirmed by the optical absorption spectra of the irradiated spots, which shows a similar linear behaviour for both the F 2 and F 3 + CCs, as derived from their overlapping absorption band at around 450 nm. At the highest x-ray energy, the average concentrations of the radiation-induced F, F 2 and F 3 + CCs were also estimated. The volume distributions of F 2 defects in the crystals irradiated with 5 and 9 keV x-rays were reconstructed in 3D by measuring their PL signal using a confocal laser scanning microscope operating in fluorescence mode. On-going investigations are focusing on the results obtained through this z -scanning technique to explore the potential impact of absorption effects at the excitation laser wavelength. (10.1088/1361-648X/ad2796)
DOI : 10.1088/1361-648X/ad2796
Quantitative feasibility study of sequential neutron captures using intense lasers
- Schaeffer Derek
- Bott Archie F. A.
- Borghesi Marco
- Flippo Kirk
- Fox William
- Fuchs Julien
- Li Chikang
- Séguin Fredrick
- Park Hye-Sook
- Tzeferacos Petros
- Willingale Louise
Physical Review C, American Physical Society, 2024, 109 (2), pp.025802. <div><p>Deciphering the conditions under which neutron captures occur in the Universe to synthesize heavy elements is an endeavour pursued since the 1950s, but that has proven elusive up to now due to the experimental difficulty of generating the extreme neutron fluxes required. It has been evoked that laser-driven (pulsed) neutron sources could produce neutron beams with characteristics suitable to achieve nucleosynthesis in the laboratory. In this scheme, the laser first generates an ultra-high-current, high-energy proton beam, which is subsequently converted into a dense neutron beam. Here we model, in a self-consistent manner, the transport of laser-accelerated protons through the neutron converter, the subsequent neutron generation and propagation, and finally the neutron capture reactions in a gold ( 197 Au) chosen as an illustrative example. Using the parameters of present-day available lasers, as well as of those foreseeable in the near future, we find that the final yield of the isotopes containing two more neutrons than the seed nuclei is negligible. Our investigation highlights that the areal density of the laser-driven neutron source is a critical quantity and that it would have to be increased by several orders of magnitude over the current state of the art in order to offer realistic prospects for laser-based generation of neutron-rich isotopes.</p></div> (10.1103/RevModPhys.95.045007)
DOI : 10.1103/RevModPhys.95.045007
Quantitative feasibility study of sequential neutron captures using intense lasers
- Horný Vojtěch
- Chen Sophia N
- Davoine Xavier
- Gremillet Laurent
- Fuchs Julien
Physical Review C, American Physical Society, 2024, 109 (2), pp.025802. Deciphering the conditions under which neutron captures occur in the Universe to synthesize heavy elements is an endeavor pursued since the 1950s, but has proved elusive up to now due to the experimental difficulty of generating the extreme neutron fluxes required. It has been evoked that laser-driven (pulsed) neutron sources could produce neutron beams with characteristics suitable to achieve nucleosynthesis in the laboratory. In this scheme, the laser first generates an ultra-high-current, high-energy proton beam, which is subsequently converted into a dense neutron beam. Here we model, in a self-consistent manner, the transport of laser-accelerated protons through the neutron converter, the subsequent neutron generation and propagation, and finally the neutron capture reactions in gold (<math><mmultiscripts><mi>Au</mi><mprescripts/><none/><mn>197</mn></mmultiscripts></math>), chosen as an illustrative example. Using the parameters of present-day available lasers, as well as of those foreseeable in the near future, we find that the final yield of the isotopes containing two more neutrons than the seed nuclei is negligible. Our investigation highlights that the areal density of the laser-driven neutron source is a critical quantity and that it would have to be increased by several orders of magnitude over the current state of the art in order to offer realistic prospects for laser-based generation of neutron-rich isotopes. (10.1103/PhysRevC.109.025802)
DOI : 10.1103/PhysRevC.109.025802
Release dynamics of nanodiamonds created by laser-driven shock-compression of polyethylene terephthalate
- Heuser Ben
- Bergermann Armin
- Stevenson Michael G
- Ranjan Divyanshu
- He Zhiyu
- Lütgert Julian
- Schumacher Samuel
- Bethkenhagen Mandy
- Descamps Adrien
- Galtier Eric
- Gleason Arianna E
- Khaghani Dimitri
- Glenn Griffin D
- Cunningham Eric F
- Glenzer Siegfried H
- Hartley Nicholas J
- Hernandez Jean-Alexis
- Humphries Oliver S
- Katagiri Kento
- Lee Hae Ja
- Mcbride Emma E
- Miyanishi Kohei
- Nagler Bob
- Ofori-Okai Benjamin
- Ozaki Norimasa
- Pandolfi Silvia
- Qu Chongbing
- May Philipp Thomas
- Redmer Ronald
- Schoenwaelder Christopher
- Sueda Keiichi
- Yabuuchi Toshinori
- Yabashi Makina
- Lukic Bratislav
- Rack Alexander
- Zinta Lisa M V
- Vinci Tommaso
- Benuzzi-Mounaix Alessandra
- Ravasio Alessandra
- Kraus Dominik
Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group, 2024, 14 (1), pp.12239. Laser-driven dynamic compression experiments of plastic materials have found surprisingly fast formation of nanodiamonds (ND) via X-ray probing. This mechanism is relevant for planetary models, but could also open efficient synthesis routes for tailored NDs. We investigate the release mechanics of compressed NDs by molecular dynamics simulation of the isotropic expansion of finite size diamond from different P - T states. Analysing the structural integrity along different release paths via molecular dynamic simulations, we found substantial disintegration rates upon shock release, increasing with the on-Hugnoiot shock temperature. We also find that recrystallization can occur after the expansion and hence during the release, depending on subsequent cooling mechanisms. Our study suggests higher ND recovery rates from off-Hugoniot states, e.g., via double-shocks, due to faster cooling. Laser-driven shock compression experiments of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) samples with in situ X-ray probing at the simulated conditions found diamond signal that persists up to 11 ns after breakout. In the diffraction pattern, we observed peak shifts, which we attribute to thermal expansion of the NDs and thus a total release of pressure, which indicates the stability of the released NDs. (10.1038/s41598-024-62367-7)
DOI : 10.1038/s41598-024-62367-7
Multiplicity of electron- and photon-seeded electromagnetic showers at multi-petawatt laser facilities
- Pouyez M
- Mironov A.A
- Grismayer T
- Mercuri-Baron A
- Perez F
- Vranic M
- Riconda C
- Grech M
Phys.Rev.E, 2024, 110 (6), pp.065208. Electromagnetic showers developing from the collision of an ultra-intense laser pulse with a beam of high-energy electrons or photons are investigated under conditions relevant to future experiments on multi-petawatt laser facilities. A semi-analytical model is derived that predicts the shower multiplicity, i.e. the number of pairs produced per incident seed particle (electron or gamma photon). The model is benchmarked against particle-in-cell simulations and shown to be accurate over a wide range of seed particle energies (100 MeV - 40 GeV), laser relativistic field strengths ($10 < a_0 < 1000$), and quantum parameter $\chi_0$ (ranging from 1 to 40). It is shown that, for experiments expected in the next decade, only the first generations of pairs contribute to the shower while multiplicities larger than unity are predicted. Guidelines for forthcoming experiments are discussed considering laser facilities such as Apollon and ELI Beamlines. The difference between electron- and photon seeding and the influence of the laser pulse duration are investigated. (10.1103/PhysRevE.110.065208)
DOI : 10.1103/PhysRevE.110.065208
Control of autoresonant plasma beat-wave wakefield excitation
- Luo M
- Riconda C
- Pusztai I
- Grassi A
- Wurtele J.S
- Fülöp T
Physical Review Research, American Physical Society, 2024, 6 (1), pp.013338. Autoresonant phase-locking of the plasma wakefield to the beat frequency of two driving lasers offers advantages over conventional wakefield acceleration methods, since it requires less demanding laser parameters and is robust to variations in the target plasma density. Here, we investigate the kinetic and nonlinear processes that come into play during autoresonant plasma beat-wave acceleration of electrons, their impact on the field amplitude of the accelerating structure, and on acceleration efficiency. Particle-in-Cell simulations show that the process depends on the plasma density in a non-trivial way but can be reliably modeled under specific conditions. Beside recovering previous fluid results in the deeply underdense plasma limit, we demonstrate that robust field excitation can be achieved within a fully kinetic self-consistent modeling. By adjusting the laser properties, we can amplify the electric field to the desired level, up to wave-breaking, and efficiently accelerate particles; we provide suggestions for optimized laser and plasma parameters. This versatile and efficient acceleration scheme, producing electrons from tens to hundreds of MeV energies, holds promise for a wide range of applications in research industry and medicine. (10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.013338)
DOI : 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.013338
Semiconductor optical amplifiers as an optical arbitrary waveform generator for high-energy laser systems
- Humblot Raphaël
- Sousa Joanna De
- Rapeneau Cyril
- Baton S. D.
- Audebert P
- Druon Frédéric
- Meignien Loïc
Optics Express, Optical Society of America - OSA Publishing, 2024, 32 (22), pp.37959. A simple and straightforward technique is presented as a novel temporally controllable front-end for nanosecond very-high energy laser systems. It is based on an original utilization of a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) used as an intensity modulator. The essential characteristics of the component are analyzed in order to evaluate potential limitations. Various parameters of interest for standard operation are displayed, demonstrating its usability and its effectiveness. We demonstrate arbitrary and controllable pulse temporal profiles with duration ranging from 1 nanosecond to 100 nanoseconds and a temporal precision of 1.1 ns. A high extinction ratio is also achieved ensuring a modulation contrast up to 53 dB. The SOA is then integrated into an existing operating system in an ultra-compact, reliable all-fibered system. It is used to seed a 2*200 J laser system, exhibiting excellent performance, and validating its usability under operation conditions without any detrimental effects. (10.1364/OE.530119)
DOI : 10.1364/OE.530119
New Constraints on the Melting Temperature and Phase Stability of Shocked Iron up to 270 GPa Probed by Ultrafast X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
- Balugani S.
- Hernandez J. A.
- Sévelin-Radiguet N.
- Mathon Olivier
- Recoules V.
- Kas J. J.
- Eakins D. E.
- Doyle H.
- Ravasio A.
- Torchio R.
Physical Review Letters, American Physical Society, 2024, 133 (25), pp.254101. Studying the properties and phase diagram of iron at high-pressure and high-temperature conditions has relevant implications for Earth’s inner structure and dynamics and the temperature of the inner core boundary (ICB) at 330 GPa. Also, a hexagonal-closed packed to body-centered cubic (bcc) phase transition has been predicted by many theoretical works but observed only in a few experiments. The recent coupling of high-power laser with advanced x-ray sources from synchrotrons allows for novel approaches to address these issues. Here, we present a study on shock compressed iron up to 270 GPa and 5800 K probed by single-pulse (100 ps FWHM) x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Based on the analysis of the XAS spectra, we provide structural identification and bulk temperature measurements along the Hugoniot up to the melting. These results rule out the predicted transition to a high-temperature bcc phase and allow one to discriminate among existing equations of state models and melting curves. In particular, we report the first bulk temperature measurement in shock compressed iron on the melting plateau at 240(20) GPa and 5345(600) K. The melting curve resulting from our work extrapolates to a temperature of 6202(514) K at 330 GPa and represents a refined upper bound for the ICB temperature. Published by the American Physical Society 2024 (10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.254101)
DOI : 10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.254101
Toward first principles-based simulations of dense hydrogen
- Bonitz Michael
- Vorberger Jan
- Bethkenhagen Mandy
- Böhme Maximilian
- Ceperley David
- Filinov Alexey
- Gawne Thomas
- Graziani Frank
- Gregori Gianluca
- Hamann Paul
- Hansen Stephanie
- Holzmann Markus
- Hu S.X
- Kählert Hanno
- Karasiev Valentin
- Kleinschmidt Uwe
- Kordts Linda
- Makait Christopher
- Militzer Burkhard
- Moldabekov Zhandos
- Pierleoni Carlo
- Preising Martin
- Ramakrishna Kushal
- Redmer Ronald
- Schwalbe Sebastian
- Svensson Pontus
- Dornheim Tobias
Phys.Plasmas, 2024, 31 (11), pp.110501. Accurate knowledge of the properties of hydrogen at high compression is crucial for astrophysics (e.g. planetary and stellar interiors, brown dwarfs, atmosphere of compact stars) and laboratory experiments, including inertial confinement fusion. There exists experimental data for the equation of state, conductivity, and Thomson scattering spectra. However, the analysis of the measurements at extreme pressures and temperatures typically involves additional model assumptions, which makes it difficult to assess the accuracy of the experimental data. rigorously. On the other hand, theory and modeling have produced extensive collections of data. They originate from a very large variety of models and simulations including path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) simulations, density functional theory (DFT), chemical models, machine-learned models, and combinations thereof. At the same time, each of these methods has fundamental limitations (fermion sign problem in PIMC, approximate exchange-correlation functionals of DFT, inconsistent interaction energy contributions in chemical models, etc.), so for some parameter ranges accurate predictions are difficult. Recently, a number of breakthroughs in first principle PIMC and DFT simulations were achieved which are discussed in this review. Here we use these results to benchmark different simulation methods. We present an update of the hydrogen phase diagram at high pressures, the expected phase transitions, and thermodynamic properties including the equation of state and momentum distribution. Furthermore, we discuss available dynamic results for warm dense hydrogen, including the conductivity, dynamic structure factor, plasmon dispersion, imaginary-time structure, and density response functions. We conclude by outlining strategies to combine different simulations to achieve accurate theoretical predictions. (10.1063/5.0219405)
DOI : 10.1063/5.0219405
Tailoring Coherent Beam Combined laser pulse train for high peak and average power applications
- Ranély-Vergé-Dépré Claude-Alban
- Lechevalier Corentin
- Andrieu Jordan
- Fsaifes Ihsan
- Jovanovic Igor
- Chanteloup Jean-Christophe
, 2024. Laser systems based on Coherent Beam Combination (CBC) that rely on the tiled pupil architecture intrinsically carry digital capabilities independently applicable to all three essential characteristics of a laser pulse: amplitude, phase, and polarization. Those capabilities allow the far-field energy distribution to be flexibly tailored in real time. Operation in the femtosecond regime at high repetition rates gives access to a wide range of applications requiring both high peak and average powers. We address the task of independent peak versus average power adjustment needed for applications seeking to decouple nonlinear phenomena associated with GW peak power from the thermal load inherent to kW average power operation. The technical solutions proposed are presented in the framework of the Ecole Polytechnique XCAN CBC laser platform (61 independent channels) with an emphasis on thermal management measures implemented to ensure its nominal operation.
Impulse coupling measurement of metallic and carbon targets during laser ablation through ballistic pendulum experiments and simulations
- Le Bras C.
- Berthe Laurent
- Videau L.
- Baton S. D.
- Boustie M.
- Boyer S.
- Rousseaux C
- Brambrink E.
- Chevalier J.-M.
- Houy J.
- Aubert B
- Jodar Benjamin
- Loison Didier
- Hébert D.
Journal of Applied Physics, American Institute of Physics, 2024, 135 (16), pp.163101. Laser ablation propulsion and orbit cleaning are developing areas of research. The general aim of laser-based techniques applied to this field is to maximize the momentum transfer produced by a laser shot. This work presents results from ballistic pendulum experiments under vacuum on aluminum, copper, tin, gold, and porous graphite targets. The work has focused on the metrology of the laser experiments to ensure good stability over a wide range of laser parameters (laser intensity ranging from 4 GW/cm2 to 8.7 TW/cm2, pulse duration from 80 ps to 15 ns, and wavelengths of 528 or 1057 nm). The results presented compile data from three experimental campaigns spanning from 2018 to 2021 on two different laser platforms and using different pulse durations, energies, and wavelengths. The study is complemented by the simulation of the momentum from the mono-dimensional Lagrangian code ESTHER. The first part of this work gives a detailed description of the experimental setup used, the ESTHER code, and the treatment of the simulations. The second part focuses on the experimental results. The third part describes the simulation results and provides a comparison with the experimental data. The last part presents possible improvements for future work on the subject. (10.1063/5.0201435)
DOI : 10.1063/5.0201435
Controlled Generation of Orbital Angular Momentum Beams With Coherent Beam Combining Digital Laser and Liquid-Crystal q-Plate
- Lechevalier Corentin
- Ranély-Vergé-Dépré Claude-Alban
- Fsaifes Ihsan
- Becheker Rezki
- Boer Gerben
- Chanteloup Jean-Christophe
IEEE Photonics Journal, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 2024, 16 (4), pp.1502305. We report on versatile orbital angular momentum beam generation through the association of a 61-channels coherent beam combining digital laser and a liquid-crystal q-plate. Particularly, high-order vortex beams that carry orbital angular momentum are generated with radial, azimuthal and/or circular polarization states. The q-plate is designed and manufactured to sustain high average power ensuring that the vortex spatial mode is preserved. The proposed system offers an extra degree of freedom for various applications requesting beam shaping with specific polarization state. (10.1109/JPHOT.2024.3421244)
DOI : 10.1109/JPHOT.2024.3421244
Mixture of hydrogen and methane under planetary interior conditions
- Roy Argha Jyoti
- Bergermann Armin
- Bethkenhagen Mandy
- Redmer Ronald
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024, 26 (19), pp.14374-14383. We employ first-principles molecular dynamics simulations to provide equation-of-state data, pair distribution functions (PDFs), diffusion coefficients, and band gaps of a mixture of hydrogen and methane under planetary interior conditions as relevant for Uranus, Neptune, and similar icy exoplanets. We test the linear mixing approximation, which is fulfilled within a few percent for the chosen P–T conditions. Evaluation of the PDFs reveals that methane molecules dissociate into carbon clusters and free hydrogen atoms at temperatures greater than 3000 K. At high temperatures, the clusters are found to be short-lived. Furthermore, we calculate the electrical conductivity from which we derive the non-metal-to-metal transition region of the mixture. We also calculate the electrical conductivity along the P–T profile of Uranus [N. Nettelmann et al., Planet. Space Sci., 2013, 77, 143–151] and observe the transition of the mixture from a molecular to an atomic fluid as a function of the radius of the planet. The density and temperature ranges chosen in our study can be achieved using dynamic shock compression experiments and seek to aid such future experiments. Our work also provides a relevant data set for a better understanding of the interior, evolution, luminosity, and magnetic field of the ice giants in our solar system and beyond. (10.1039/D4CP00058G)
DOI : 10.1039/D4CP00058G
Laser-driven shock compression and equation of state of Fe$_2$O$_3$ up to 700 GPa
- Amouretti Alexis
- Harmand Marion
- Albertazzi Bruno
- Boury Antoine
- Benuzzi-Mounaix Alessandra
- Chin D. Alex
- Guyot François
- Koenig Michel
- Vinci Tommaso
- Fiquet Guillaume
Physical Review B, American Physical Society, 2024, 110 (14), pp.144110. We report here the first equation of state measurements of Fe$_2$O$_3$ obtained with laser-driven shock compression. The data are in excellent agreement with previous dynamic and static compression measurements at low pressure, and extend the known Hugoniot up to 700 GPa. We observe a large volume drop of $\sim$10% at 86 GPa, which could be associated, according to static compression observations, with the iron spin transition. Our measurements also suggest a change of the Hugoniot curve between 150 and 250 GPa. Above 250 GPa and within our error bars, we do not observe significant modifications up to the maximum pressure of 700 GPa reached in our experiment. (10.1103/PhysRevB.110.144110)
DOI : 10.1103/PhysRevB.110.144110
Global characterization of a laser-generated neutron source
- Higginson D.P
- Lelièvre R.
- Vassura L
- Gugiu M.M
- Borghesi M
- Bernstein L.A
- Bleuel D.L
- Goldblum B.L
- Green A
- Hannachi F
- Kar S
- Kisyov S
- Quentin L
- Schroer M
- Tarisien M
- Willi O
- Antici P
- Negoita F
- Allaoua Amokrane
- Fuchs Julien
Journal of Plasma Physics, Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2024, 90 (3), pp.905900308. Laser-driven neutron sources are routinely produced by the interaction of laser-accelerated protons with a converter. They present complementary characteristics to those of conventional accelerator-based neutron sources (e.g. short pulse durations, enabling novel applications like radiography). We present here results from an experiment aimed at performing a global characterization of the neutrons produced using the Titan laser at the Jupiter Laser Facility (Livermore, USA), where protons were accelerated from 23µm thick plastic targets and directed onto a LiF converter to produce neutrons. For this purpose, several diagnostics were used to measure these neutron emissions, such as CR-39, activation foils, time-of-flight detectors and direct measurement of 7Be residual activity in the LiF converters. The use of these different, independently operating diagnostics enables comparison of the various measurements performed to provide a robust characterization. These measurements led to a neutron yield of 2.0x10 9 neutrons per shot with a modest angular dependence, close to that simulated. (10.1017/S0022377824000618)
DOI : 10.1017/S0022377824000618
Structural evolution of liquid silicates under conditions in Super-Earth interiors
- Morard Guillaume
- Hernandez Jean-Alexis
- Pege Clara
- Nagy Charlotte
- Libon Lélia
- Lacquement Antoine
- Sokaras Dimosthenis
- Lee Hae Ja
- Galtier Eric
- Heimann Philip
- Cunningham Eric
- Glenzer Siegfried H
- Vinci Tommaso
- Prescher Clemens
- Boccato Silvia
- Chantel Julien
- Merkel Sébastien
- Zhang Yanyao
- Yang Hong
- Wei Xuehui
- Pandolfi Silvia
- Mao Wendy L
- Gleason Arianna E
- Shim Sang Heon
- Alonso-Mori Roberto
- Ravasio Alessandra
Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group, 2024, 15 (1), pp.8483. Molten silicates at depth are crucial for planetary evolution, yet their local structure and physical properties under extreme conditions remain elusive due to experimental challenges. In this study, we utilize in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) at the Matter in Extreme Conditions (MEC) end-station of the Linear Coherent Linac Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory to investigate liquid silicates. Using an ultrabright X-ray source and a high-power optical laser, we probed the local atomic arrangement of shock-compressed liquid (Mg,Fe)SiO$_3$ with varying Fe content, at pressures from 81(9) to 385(40) GPa. We compared these findings to ab initio molecular dynamics simulations under similar conditions. Results indicate continuous densification of the O-O and Mg-Si networks beyond Earth's interior pressure range, potentially altering melt properties at extreme conditions. This could have significant implications for early planetary evolution, leading to notable differences in differentiation processes between smaller rocky planets, such as Earth and Venus, and super-Earths, which are exoplanets with masses nearly three times that of Earth. (10.1038/s41467-024-51796-7)
DOI : 10.1038/s41467-024-51796-7
Optical Probing of Ultrafast Laser-Induced Solid-to-Overdense-Plasma Transitions
- Azamoum Yasmina
- Becker Georg Alexander
- Keppler Sebastian
- Duchateau Guillaume
- Skupin Stefan
- Grech Mickael
- Catoire Fabrice
- Hell Sebastian
- Tamer Issa
- Hornung Marco
- Hellwing Marco
- Kessler Alexander
- Schorcht Franck
- Kaluza Malte Christoph
Light: Science and Applications, Nature Publishing Group, 2024, 13, pp.109. Understanding the target dynamics during its interaction with a relativistic ultrashort laser pulse is a challenging fundamental multi-physics problem involving at least atomic and solid-state physics, plasma physics, and laser physics. Already, the properties of the so-called pre-plasma formed as the laser pulse's rising edge ionizes the target are complicated to access in experiments and modeling, and many aspects of this laser-induced transition from solid to overdense plasma over picosecond time scales are still open questions. At the same time, applications like laser-driven ion acceleration require precise knowledge and control of the pre-plasma because the efficiency of the acceleration process itself crucially depends on the target properties at the arrival of the relativistic intensity peak of the pulse. By capturing the dynamics of the initial stage of the interaction, we report on a detailed visualization of the pre-plasma formation and evolution. Nanometer-thin diamond-like carbon foils are shown to transition from solid to plasma during the laser rising edge with intensities < 10^16 W/cm^2. Single-shot near-infrared probe transmission measurements evidence sub-picosecond dynamics of an expanding plasma with densities above 10^23 cm^-3 (about 100 times the critical plasma density). The complementarity of a solid-state interaction model and a kinetic plasma description provides deep insight into the interplay of ionization, collisions, and expansion. (10.1038/s41377-024-01444-y)
DOI : 10.1038/s41377-024-01444-y

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