Illuminating Matter Bit by Bit – Computer-Experiments on Laser-Matter Interaction

The interaction of high-intensity, ultra-short laser pulses with matter is based on the well-understood physics of classical electromagnetics. In order to design, analyse and optimize laser-driven radiation sources, understanding the microscopic dynamics of electrons and ions interacting with strong laser fields is vital. These complex dynamics are both hard to resolve in experiment and hard to describe by analytic models. Here, realistic simulations based on the fundamental physical laws which govern the interaction can provide new and valuable insights. So-called computer experiments can bridge the gap between experiment and analytic theory and thus advance our understanding of the underlying plasma dynamics. Today, newest high performance computing technology makes it possible to incorporate all relevant physical processes in the simulation. With this, detailed modelling of experiments has entered the stage and will guide the way to new laser-driven radiation sources.