Nano-Materials as Enabling Technology
Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology as enabling technology for high-field physics
Nano-materials and technology provide unprecedented opportunities for high-field physics. Our group is recognized as a forerunner in introducing novel solid targets for ultrahigh-intensity laser pulse. Freestanding ultrathin foil from our group with thickness down to a few nanometers has been successfully demonstrated as flying mirror, most efficient laser-driven ion source and relativistic optical shutter. Novel targets with versatile shape made by nanotechnology provide an exceptional match with high-power Gaussian pulses. Aerogel made by nanomaterials enable plasma slabs with density around critical density. We already and continuously showing that "small targets make big deal" in the field of high-field physics, which must be viewed in relation to costly upgrades and advances in high-power laser systems.
A 15 nm thick freestanding micro-structured diamond like carbon foil
A freestanding 2.5D micro lens array made out of diamond like carbon