Eur. Phys. J. Special Topics 175, 3-10 (2009)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2009-01109-4

An integrated approach to ultraintense laser sciences: The PLASMON-X project

¹ Istituto Processi Chimico-Fisici (CNR), Area della Ricerca, via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy
² INFN Sezione di Pisa, L.go Bruno Pontecorvo 3, Pisa, Italy
³ INFN-Milano, via Celoria 16, Milano, Italy
⁴ INFN-LNF, via E. Fermi 40, Frascati (Roma), Italy
⁵ Dip. Fisica Univ. Pisa, L.go Bruno Pontecorvo 3, Pisa, Italy

Abstract

In this paper we discuss recent results in the design configuration and modelling of the PLASMON-X project aimed at the development of an innovative, high-gradient acceleration with super-intense and ultra-short laser pulses, and a tuneable, hard X/γ-ray source, based upon Thomson scattering of optical photons by energetic electrons. Both experiments require very high power, ultra-short laser pulses in combination with very bright and short electron bunches generated either by conventional acceleration (LINAC) or by laser-driven, self injection acceleration in plasmas. The main issues concerning the integrated use of unique laser and linear accelerator installations, and the complementary use of all-optical configurations will be briefly examined.