Laser-plasma interaction has been proven to be a feasible method for obtaining high-energy particle beams over shorter acceleration distances compared to rf-based accelerators. With the advent of next-generation laser facilities, the use of spin-polarized particle beams in laser-plasma based accelerators has gained significant interest for a variety of applications. This includes processes like deep-inelastic scattering, where spin-polarized particles may be used to investigate the nuclear structure of the proton. Another application is that of nuclear fusion: in order to obtain an improved yield polarized reactants can be used to increase the corresponding cross section. Obtaining the necessary high-energy polarized particles for such applications inside and from plasma requires innovative polarization/acceleration schemes, as inhomogeneities in the prevalent electromagnetic fields can induce strong depolarization.
This Research Topic aims to address the current issue of obtaining highly spin-polarized particle beams and their acceleration by means of laser-matter interaction, including both in-situ generation of polarization or pre-polarizing the target before acceleration. Novel methods of acceleration conserving a high degree of spin polarization form another large part of this goal. Further, the relevance of quantum electrodynamical effects shall be explored. Regarding applications, the efficient utilization of spin-polarized ion beams in laser-driven fusion as well as for magnetic plasma confinement is of strong current interest.
Themes include but are not limited to:
- Laser-plasma based schemes for the acceleration of spin-polarized particles
- Methods for polarizing leptons and hadrons in plasma
- Innovative target technologies
- Investigation of spin-dependent effects in quantum electrodynamics
- Use of polarized fuels in laser-driven fusion setups.
This Research Topics accepts submissions of the following article types: Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Brief Research Report, and Perspective.
Laser-plasma interaction has been proven to be a feasible method for obtaining high-energy particle beams over shorter acceleration distances compared to rf-based accelerators. With the advent of next-generation laser facilities, the use of spin-polarized particle beams in laser-plasma based accelerators has gained significant interest for a variety of applications. This includes processes like deep-inelastic scattering, where spin-polarized particles may be used to investigate the nuclear structure of the proton. Another application is that of nuclear fusion: in order to obtain an improved yield polarized reactants can be used to increase the corresponding cross section. Obtaining the necessary high-energy polarized particles for such applications inside and from plasma requires innovative polarization/acceleration schemes, as inhomogeneities in the prevalent electromagnetic fields can induce strong depolarization.
This Research Topic aims to address the current issue of obtaining highly spin-polarized particle beams and their acceleration by means of laser-matter interaction, including both in-situ generation of polarization or pre-polarizing the target before acceleration. Novel methods of acceleration conserving a high degree of spin polarization form another large part of this goal. Further, the relevance of quantum electrodynamical effects shall be explored. Regarding applications, the efficient utilization of spin-polarized ion beams in laser-driven fusion as well as for magnetic plasma confinement is of strong current interest.
Themes include but are not limited to:
- Laser-plasma based schemes for the acceleration of spin-polarized particles
- Methods for polarizing leptons and hadrons in plasma
- Innovative target technologies
- Investigation of spin-dependent effects in quantum electrodynamics
- Use of polarized fuels in laser-driven fusion setups.
This Research Topics accepts submissions of the following article types: Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Brief Research Report, and Perspective.