Multi-messenger dynamic imaging of laser-driven shocks in water using a plasma wakefield accelerator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a dual-probe, multi-messenger platform using ultrafast X-rays and relativistic electrons to study laser-driven shocks in water, revealing complex plasma dynamics and electromagnetic phenomena.

Contribution

It presents a novel high-repetition-rate diagnostic approach combining X-ray and electron probes for detailed plasma imaging and electromagnetic field detection in laser-driven shocks.

Findings

Betatron X-rays visualize shock compression morphology.

Electron beams detect charge separation and ion differentiation.

Combined probes reveal kinetic to hydrodynamic plasma regimes.

Abstract

Understanding dense matter hydrodynamics is critical for predicting plasma behavior in environments relevant to laser-driven inertial confinement fusion. Traditional diagnostic sources face limitations in brightness, spatiotemporal resolution, and inability to detect relevant electromagnetic fields. In this work, we present a dual-probe, multi-messenger laser wakefield accelerator platform combining ultrafast X-rays and relativistic electron beams at 1 Hz, to interrogate a free-flowing water target in vacuum, heated by an intense 200 ps laser pulse. This scheme enables high-repetition-rate tracking of the interaction evolution using both particle types. Betatron X-rays reveal a cylindrically symmetric shock compression morphology assisted by low-density vapor, resembling foam-layer-assisted fusion targets. The synchronized electron beam detects time-evolving electromagnetic fields, uncovering charge separation and ion species differentiation during plasma expansion - phenomena not captured by photons or hydrodynamic simulations. We show that combining both probes provides complementary insights spanning kinetic to hydrodynamic regimes, highlighting the need for hybrid physics models to accurately predict fusion-relevant plasma behavior