Laser Particle Acceleration / Institute for Radiation Physics
The experimental and theoretical investigation of the interaction of light with matter in the relativistic intensity regime represents the key activity of the group. The focus lies on the development of advanced compact and brilliant sources of energetic particle beams and on potential applications, e.g., in the field of radiation oncology. In connection with the radiation source ELBE accelerator physics as well as the realization of optical undulators provides challenging goals.
For this purpose the division operates within the frame of the ELBE center for high power radiation sources the dual beam 150 Terawatt / Petawatt Ti:Sapphire laser Draco (Dresden laser acceleration source). Its only 30 fs long pulses can be individually guided into two separate experimental areas where they are used either alone, combined, or in combination with the electron pulses of the radiation source ELBE. To be able to make use of of highest laser power and energy simultaneously in the future, we further push the development of the directly diode laser pumped PW laser Penelope (Petawatt energy efficient laser for optical plasma experiments).
Due to their interdisciplinary character, these tasks are organized within the research fields Health (cancer research) and Matter (matter and technologies, from matter to materials and life) of the Helmholtz association. External users can presently access the high power laser infrastructure through collaborative projects.