High-Intensity Laser Driven Probes for Applications, HED, and Fusion Sciences

High-intensity laser interactions have proven effective in generating diverse radiation sources, such as ions, neutrons, and X-rays, each with unique parameters. These sources are ideal for investigating extreme conditions in High-Energy Density Science (HEDS) and have the potential for various industrial applications.

The emergence of new laser facilities that provide higher repetition rates while maintaining peak intensity is poised to revolutionize this field. Increased access to these advanced laser systems will facilitate the optimization of radiation sources, enabling researchers to gather higher-fidelity data. This development, in turn, will allow for the exploration of extended parameter spaces, enhancing our understanding of fundamental physical processes under extreme conditions. As these technologies evolve, they will significantly contribute to advancements in HEDS, opening new avenues for research and application across multiple scientific domains.

The goal of this Research Topic is to compile and present recent advancements in various laser-driven radiation sources with a particular emphasis on their application in probing High-Energy Density Science (HEDS), industrial applications, or their relevance to advance fusion research. This collection aims to highlight novel generation schemes, advanced characterization techniques, and/or potential demonstrations of industrial applications.

To date, article collections have tended to focus on a single radiation type or subset of high-intensity interactions such as QED, or ion generation, and; therefore, a single collective issue containing reviews of the state-of-the-art and novel research from across the field will be sought.

This collection will be cross-discipline and include different sources from intense laser interactions. Applications of these sources, including industrial inspection or secondary probing of High-Energy Density Science (HEDS) or fusion relevant science, is encouraged, as well as novel characterization techniques to measure the emitted radiation from laser-plasma sources. We will accept the following article types: Original Research, Methods, Review, Mini-Review, and Perspective. Specific themes include but are not limited to the following:
• Laser-plasma sources of radiation; betatron, bremsstrahlung, ICS, neutrons, ions, etc
• Laser-driven probes; inspecting HED, dynamic processes, NDT, etc
• Characterization of laser-driven interactions; at high repetition; in hazardous environments.