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Research and Applications of High-Intensity-Laser-Driven Radiation
Abstract
Laser-generated radiation can be used for various applications, including the investigation of high-intensity-laser-matter interactions, radiography of dense materials, detection of buried materials, prevention of the proliferation of nuclear materials, and the investigation of isomeric transitions in the nucleus. In all of these cases, the measurement of the spectral distribution of x-ray photons is necessary, yet non-trivial, because of the combination of the short duration of the light pulses and interactions and the low repetition rate (< 100 Hz). Due to limitations on the techniques currently available concerning the vast energy range of the photons involved (10 keV to >20 MeV), these measurements become even more challenging.In the first chapter, we review various methods currently used to generate high- energy x-rays through the mechanisms of solid target k-alpha, laser-wakefield acceleration, bremsstrahlung radiation, and inverse-Compton/Thomson scattering. These techniques are critical points upon which the rest of the work of this dissertation relies. A summary of the capabilities provided by the Diocles laser at the Extreme Light Lab will be provided for each technique.The next chapter will present a novel expansion of the x-ray source capabilities afforded by high-order multiphoton Thomson scattering. This new regime is achieved by using light so intense that high-order effects produce new signatures in the radiation profile of the x-rays. Following, we will present our progress in the development of single-shot spectroscopic techniques for the characterization of laser-generated x-rays. The commissioning of a single-photon counting system for energies < 1 MeV will be explained, followed by the description of a novel spectroscopic technique based on the Compton effect to characterize photons with energies from 1 to > 20 MeV. Finally, we will present the results of two applications of laser-generated radiation. In the first application, results discussing the radiography of dense materials will be presented. The other application involving the controlled perturbation of isomeric states of the nucleus will be presented, along with results involving the benchmarking of the method and its extension towards a previously unstudied photo-excitation.
Subject Area
Physics|Energy|Optics
Recommended Citation
Haden, Daniel J, "Research and Applications of High-Intensity-Laser-Driven Radiation" (2021). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI28712830.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI28712830