Laser Wake Field Collider

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of laser wake field acceleration in colliding laser beam setups, aiming to enhance laser-driven fusion and other rapid phase transition applications.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of applying LWFA in colliding laser configurations inspired by recent nano-plasmonic fusion proposals.

Findings

Potential for improved laser fusion techniques

Implications for rapid phase transition studies

Foundation for future experimental setups

Abstract

Recently NAano-Plasmonic, Laser Inertial Fusion Experiments (NAPLIFE) were proposed, as an improved way to achieve laser driven fusion. The improvement is the combination of two basic research discoveries: (i) The possibility of detonations on space-time hyper-surfaces with time-like normal (i.e. simultaneous detonation in a whole volume) and (ii) to increase this volume to the whole target, by regulating the laser light absorption using nano-shells or nano-rods as antennas. These principles can be realized in an in-line, one dimensional configuration, in the simplest way with two opposing laser beams as in particle colliders. Such, opposing laser beam experiments were also performed recently. Here we study the consequences of the Laser Wake Field Acceleration (LWFA) if we experience it in a colliding laser beam set up. These studies can be applied to laser driven fusion, but also to other rapid phase transition, combustion, or ignition studies in other materials.