Trends in relativistic laser–matter interaction: the promises of structured light

Marco Piccardo, Mihail O. Cernaianu, John P. Palastro, Alexey Arefiev, Cédric Thaury, Jorge Vieira, Dustin H. Froula, Victor Malka

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Time and space envelope, frequency and wavelength distributions, polarization, and phase are quantities that define the properties of laser light. Controlling them opens up strategies for manipulating the properties of atoms in various media. At relativistic intensity, matter is rapidly transformed into a plasma state, which is modifying the laser’s propagation, its absorption enabling the generation of intense magnetic and electric fields. In this context, structured light presents exciting, promising, and challenging opportunities for research. This review article aims to explain the concepts of structured light, their applications to real experiments at relativistic intensities, practical considerations, and some scientific perspectives.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)732-752
Number of pages21
JournalOptica
Volume12
Issue number6
Early online date22 May 2025
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Jun 2025

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Trends in relativistic laser–matter interaction: the promises of structured light'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this