Ultraintense, Relativistic, Laser-Atom Physics

University Of Delaware, Newark DE

Investigators

Abstract

This research addresses the question of atoms interacting with light in a radically nonperturbative, ultrahigh laser intensity range from 1017 W/cm2 to 1019 W/cm2. The science has direct bearing on a number of topics, including new multi-electron phenomena, nonperturbative magnetic field-atom interactions, relativistic continuum dynamics, the breakdown of the semiclassical WKB approximation in strong field physics, and high-energy radiation from laser-atom interactions. The atomic physics and laser technology in the proposal has a direct impact on fourth generation XUV and X-ray radiation light sources, with applications as wide-ranging as device lithography and single molecule x-ray diffraction. The education component of the proposal is directed toward high-school and college student perceptions of physics and addresses the new pedagogy behind real-world, electronic teaching resources.