Project New Orion entails a pulsed nuclear space propulsion system that utilizes photofission through the implementation of an ultra-intense laser. The historical origins derive from the endeavors of Project Orion, wh...Project New Orion entails a pulsed nuclear space propulsion system that utilizes photofission through the implementation of an ultra-intense laser. The historical origins derive from the endeavors of Project Orion, which utilized thermonuclear devices to impart a considerable velocity increment on the respective spacecraft. The shear magnitude of Project Orion significantly detracts from the likelihood of progressive research development testing and evaluation. Project New Orion incorporates a more feasible pathway for the progressive research development testing and evaluation of the pulsed nuclear space propulsion system. Photofission through the application of an ultra-intense laser enables a much more controllable and scalable nuclear yield. The energy source for the ultra-intense laser is derived from a first stage liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen chemical propulsion system. A portion of the thermal/kinetic energy of the rocket propulsive fluid is converted to electrical energy through a magneto-hydrodynamic generator with cryogenic propellant densification for facilitating the integral superconducting magnets. Fundamental analysis of Project New Orion demonstrates the capacity to impart a meaningful velocity increment through ultra-intense laser derived photofission on a small spacecraft.展开更多
A theoretical and numerical model of photon and electron–positron pair production in strong-field quantum electrodynamics（QED） is described. Two processes are contained in our QED theoretical model, one is photon e...A theoretical and numerical model of photon and electron–positron pair production in strong-field quantum electrodynamics（QED） is described. Two processes are contained in our QED theoretical model, one is photon emission in the interaction of ultra-intense laser with relativistic electron（or positron）, and the other is pair production by a gamma-ray photon interacting with the laser field.This model has been included in a PIC/MCC simulation code named BUMBLEBEE 1 D, which is used to simulate the laser plasma interaction. Using this code, the evolutions of electron–positron pair and gamma-ray photon production in ultra-intense laser interaction with aluminum foil target are simulated and analyzed. The simulation results revealed that more positrons are moved in the opposite direction to the incident direction of the laser under the charge separation field.展开更多
Antimatter has been generated in large quantities by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Titan laser. The Titan laser is an ultra-intense laser system on the order of approximately 1020W/cm2 with pulse duration...Antimatter has been generated in large quantities by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Titan laser. The Titan laser is an ultra-intense laser system on the order of approximately 1020W/cm2 with pulse durations of roughly 1ps. With the Titan laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold, antimatter on the scale of 2 × 1010 positrons are generated. Roughly 90% of the generated positrons are ejected anisotropic and aft to the respective target. The mechanisms for the laser-derived positron antimatter generation involve electron interaction with the nuclei based on bremsstrahlung photons that yield electron-positron pairs as a consequence of the Bethe-Heitler process, which predominates the Trident process. Given the constraints of the current and near future technology space, a pulsed space propulsion configuration is advocated for antimatter derived space propulsion, similar in concept to pulsed radioisotope propulsion. Antimatter is generated through an ultra-intense laser on the scale of a Titan laser incident on a gold target and annihilated in a closed chamber, representative of a combustion chamber. Upon reaching a temperature threshold, the closed chamber opens, producing a pulse of thrust. The implication of the pulsed space propulsion antimatter architecture is that the energy source for the antimatter propulsion system can be decoupled from the actual spacecraft. In contrast to conventional chemical propulsion systems, which require storage of its respective propulsive chemical potential energy, the proposed antimatter propulsion architecture may have the energy source at a disparate location from the spacecraft. The ultra-intense laser could convey its laser energy over a distance to the actual spacecraft equipped with the positron antimatter pulsed space propulsion system. Hydrogen is considered as the propulsive fluid, in light of its low molecular weight. Fundamental analysis is applied to preliminarily define the performance of the positron antimatter derived pulsed space propulsion system. The fundamental performance analysis of the antimatter pulsed space propulsion system successfully reveals the architecture is viable for further evaluation.展开更多
The fundamental performance analysis of an advanced concept ramjet propulsion system using antimatter is presented. Antimatter is generated by ultra-intense laser pulses incident on a gold target. The scientific found...The fundamental performance analysis of an advanced concept ramjet propulsion system using antimatter is presented. Antimatter is generated by ultra-intense laser pulses incident on a gold target. The scientific foundation for the generation of antimatter by an ultra-intense laser was established in the early 1970’s and later demonstrated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 2008 to 2009. Antimatter on the scale of 2 × 1010 positrons were generated through a ~1 ps pulse from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Titan laser that has an intensity of ~1020 W/cm2. The predominant mechanism is the Bethe-Heitler process, which involves high-energy bremsstrahlung photons as a result of electron-nuclei interaction. Propulsion involving lasers through chemical rather than non-chemical interaction has been previously advocated by Phipps. The major utilities of the ultra-intense laser derived antimatter ramjet are the capability to generate antimatter without a complex storage system and the ability to decouple the antimatter ramjet propulsion system from the energy source. For instance the ultra-intense laser and energy source could be terrestrial, while the ramjet could be mounted to a UAV as a propulsion system. With the extrapolation of current technologies, a sufficient number of pulses by ultra-intense lasers are eventually anticipated for the generation of antimatter to heat the propulsive flow of a ramjet. Fundamental performance analysis is provided based on an ideal ramjet derivation that is modified to address the proposed antimatter ramjet architecture.展开更多
Photofission enables a unique capability for the domain of non-chemical space propulsion. An ultra-intense laser enables the capacity to induce nuclear fission through the development of bre- msstrahlung photons. A fu...Photofission enables a unique capability for the domain of non-chemical space propulsion. An ultra-intense laser enables the capacity to induce nuclear fission through the development of bre- msstrahlung photons. A fundamental architecture and performance analysis of a photofission pulsed space propulsion system through the operation of an ultra-intense laser is presented. A historical perspective of previous conceptual nuclear fission propulsion systems is addressed. These applications use neutron derived nuclear fission;however, there is inherent complexity that has precluded further development. The background of photofission is detailed. The conceptual architecture of photofission pulsed space propulsion and fundamental performance parameters are established. The implications are the energy source and ultra-intense laser can be situated far remote from the propulsion system. Advances in supporting laser technologies are anticipated to increase the potential for photofission pulsed space propulsion. The fundamental performance analysis of the photofission pulsed space propulsion system indicates the architecture is feasible for further evaluation.展开更多
The interaction of micro-bubbles with ultra-intense laser pulses has been shown to generate ultra-high proton densities and correspondingly high electric fields.Weinvestigate the possibility of using such a combinatio...The interaction of micro-bubbles with ultra-intense laser pulses has been shown to generate ultra-high proton densities and correspondingly high electric fields.Weinvestigate the possibility of using such a combination to study the fundamental physical phenomenon of vacuum polarization.With current or near-future laser systems,measurement of vacuum polarization via the bending of gamma rays that pass near imploded microbubbles may be possible.Since it is independent of photon energy to within the leading-order solution of the Heisenberg–Euler Lagrangian and the geometric optics approximation,the corresponding index of refraction can dominate the indices of refraction due to other effects at sufficiently high photon energies.We consider the possibility of its application to a transient gamma-ray lens.展开更多
An electromagnetic solitary structure in attosecond regime is identified, costreaming with electron bunch. It is observed via nonlinear process of Self-Thomson backscattering of an ultra-intense laser from thin foil t...An electromagnetic solitary structure in attosecond regime is identified, costreaming with electron bunch. It is observed via nonlinear process of Self-Thomson backscattering of an ultra-intense laser from thin foil target. The process is termed as Self-Thomson Backscattering since the counter propagating electron sheets are generated by the drive laser itself. The radiation pressure acceleration model is considered for the interaction of a super-intense linearly polarized laser pulse with a thin foil in one-dimensional (1D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations.展开更多
A pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target is conceptually presented through fundamental performance analysis...A pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target is conceptually presented through fundamental performance analysis. As opposed to traditional strategies positron antimatter is considered rather than antiproton antimatter. Positron antimatter can be produced by an ultra- intense laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold. The ultra-intense laser production of positron antimatter mechanism greatly alleviates constraints, such as requirements for antimatter storage imperative for antiproton antimatter. Also the ultra-intense laser and associated energy source can be stationary or positioned remote while the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion is in flight. Various mechanisms for antimatter catalyzed fusion are considered, for which the preferred mechanism is the antiproton hotspot ignition strategy. Fundamental performance analysis is subsequently applied to derive positron antimatter generation requirements and associated propulsion performance. The characteristics of the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target imply a promising non-chemical propulsion alternative for the transport of bulk cargo to support space missions.展开更多
A controllable strategy for eliciting nuclear fusion is presented through ultra-intenselaser derived positron generation by a conceptual first physics perspective. The capability to generate positrons on demand in a c...A controllable strategy for eliciting nuclear fusion is presented through ultra-intenselaser derived positron generation by a conceptual first physics perspective. The capability to generate positrons on demand in a controlled manner through an ultra-intense laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold, is the intrinsic core to the foundation of controllable nuclear fusion. Positron antimatter generated from the periphery of the fusion fuel pellet provides the basis for initiating the fusion reaction, which is regulated by controlling the operation of the ultra-intense laser. A dual pulsed Fast Ignition mechanism is selected to achieve the fusion reaction. Based on first physics performance analysis the controllable strategy for eliciting nuclear fusion through ultra-intenselaser derived positron generation offers a realizable means for achieving regulated nuclear fusion. A future perspective of the controllable fusion strategy addresses the opportunities and concerns of a pathway toward regulated nuclear fusion.展开更多
Utilizing the laser-driven Z-pinch e ect,we propose an approach for generating an ultrashort,intense Me V neutron source with femtosecond pulse duration.The self-generated magnetic field driven by a petawatt-class las...Utilizing the laser-driven Z-pinch e ect,we propose an approach for generating an ultrashort,intense Me V neutron source with femtosecond pulse duration.The self-generated magnetic field driven by a petawatt-class laser pulse compressed the deuterium in a single nanowire to more than 120 times its initial density,achieving an unprecedented particle number density of 10^(25)cm^(-3).Through full-dimensional kinetic simulations,including nuclear reactions,we found that these Z-pinches can generate high-intensity and short-duration neutron pulses,with the peak flux reaching 10^(27)cm^(-2)s^(-1).Such laser-driven neutron sources are beyond the capabilities of existing approaches and pave the way for groundbreaking applications in r-process nucleosynthesis studies and high-precision time-of-flight neutron data measurements.展开更多
We introduce a versatile high-repetition-rate solid tape target system suitable for relativistic laser-plasma driven secondary sources. We demonstrate the operation and stability monitoring based on a petawatt laser f...We introduce a versatile high-repetition-rate solid tape target system suitable for relativistic laser-plasma driven secondary sources. We demonstrate the operation and stability monitoring based on a petawatt laser focused at 1 Hz.Experiments were carried out at the VEGA-3 laser system of the Centro de Láseres Pulsados facility where results for different tape materials and thicknesses are presented. Experimental proton spectra were recorded by a Thomson parabola spectrometer and a time-of-flight detector. In addition, non-invasive detectors, such as a target charging monitor and ionization chamber detectors, were tested as metrology for the stability of the source. Degradation of the proton signal at high-repetition-rate operation was observed and it was solved by online optimization of the relative focus position of the target and laser beam parameters. We report the use of the tape target for bursts of 1000 shots at1 Hz with mean cut-off energies of about 10 MeV in optimized interaction conditions.展开更多
Compressing all the energy of a laser pulse into a spatiotemporal focal cube edged by the laser center wavelength will realize the highest intensity of an ultra-intense ultrashort laser,which is called theλ^(3) regim...Compressing all the energy of a laser pulse into a spatiotemporal focal cube edged by the laser center wavelength will realize the highest intensity of an ultra-intense ultrashort laser,which is called theλ^(3) regime or theλ^(3) laser.Herein,we introduced a rotational hyperbolic mirror—an important rotational conic section mirror with two foci—that is used as a secondary focusing mirror after a rotational parabolic mirror to reduce the focal spot size from several wavelengths to a single wavelength by significantly increasing the focusing angular aperture.Compared with the rotational ellipsoidal mirror,the first focal spot with a high intensity,as well as some unwanted strong-field effects,is avoided.The optimal focusing condition of this method is presented and the enhanced tight focusing for a femtosecond petawatt laser and theλ3 laser is numerically simulated,which can enhance the focused intensities of ultra-intense ultrashort lasers for laser physics.展开更多
Experimental and simulation data[Moreau et al.,Plasma Phys.Control.Fusion 62,014013(2019);Kaymak et al.,Phys.Rev.Lett.117,035004(2016)]indicate that self-generated magnetic fields play an important role in enhancing t...Experimental and simulation data[Moreau et al.,Plasma Phys.Control.Fusion 62,014013(2019);Kaymak et al.,Phys.Rev.Lett.117,035004(2016)]indicate that self-generated magnetic fields play an important role in enhancing the flux and energy of relativistic electrons accelerated by ultra-intense laser pulse irradiation with nanostructured arrays.A fully relativistic analytical model for the generation of the magnetic field based on electron magneto-hydrodynamic description is presented here.The analytical model shows that this self-generated magnetic field originates in the nonparallel density gradient and fast electron current at the interfaces of a nanolayered target.A general formula for the self-generated magnetic field is found,which closely agrees with the simulation scaling over the relevant intensity range.The result is beneficial to the experimental designs for the interaction of the laser pulse with the nanostructured arrays to improve laser-to-electron energy coupling and the quality of forward hot electrons.展开更多
A relativistic semi-classical theory (RSCT) of H-atom ionizationin ultra-intense laser (UIL) is proposed. A relativistic analytical expression for ionization probability of H-atom in its ground state is given. This ex...A relativistic semi-classical theory (RSCT) of H-atom ionizationin ultra-intense laser (UIL) is proposed. A relativistic analytical expression for ionization probability of H-atom in its ground state is given. This expression, compared with non-relativistic expression, clearly shows the effects of the magnet vector in the laser, the non-dipole approximation and the relativistic mass-energy relation on the ionization processes. At the same time, we show that under some conditions the relativistic expression reduces to the non-relativistic expression of non-dipole approximation. At last, some possible applications of the relativistic theory are briefly stated.展开更多
We demonstrate an ultra-broadband high temporal contrast infrared laser source based on cascaded optical parametric amplification,hollow-core fiber(HCF)and second harmonic generation processes.In this setup,the spectr...We demonstrate an ultra-broadband high temporal contrast infrared laser source based on cascaded optical parametric amplification,hollow-core fiber(HCF)and second harmonic generation processes.In this setup,the spectrum of an approximately 1.8μm laser pulse has near 1μm full bandwidth by employing an argon gas-filled HCF.Subsequently,after frequency doubling with cascaded crystals and dispersion compensation by a fused silica wedge pair,9.6 fs(~3cycles)and 150μJ pulses centered at 910 nm with full bandwidth of over 300 nm can be generated.The energy stability of the output laser pulse is excellent with 0.8%(root mean square)over 20 min,and the temporal contrast is>10^(12)at-10 ps before the main pulse.The excellent temporal and spatial characteristics and stability make this laser able to be used as a good seed source for ultra-intense and ultrafast laser systems.展开更多
In-situ formed high Mn steel coating reinforced by carbides was formed by laser surface alloying(LSA).Laser alloyed layers on 1Cr18Ni9Ti steel with Mn+W_(2)C(specimen A),Mn+NiWC(specimen B)and Mn+SiC(specimen C)powder...In-situ formed high Mn steel coating reinforced by carbides was formed by laser surface alloying(LSA).Laser alloyed layers on 1Cr18Ni9Ti steel with Mn+W_(2)C(specimen A),Mn+NiWC(specimen B)and Mn+SiC(specimen C)powders were fabricated to improve the wear and corrosion behavior of 1Cr18Ni9Ti steel blades in high speed mixers.Microstructure evolution,phases,element distribution,microhardness,wear and corrosion behavior of the laser alloyed layers were investigated.Results indicated that high Mn steel matrix composites with undissolved W_(2)C,WC and other in-situ formed carbides were formed by LSA with Mn+W_(2)C and Mn+NiWC while SiC totally dissolved into the high Mn matrix when adding Mn+SiC.Ni as the binding phase in Ni-WC powder decreased the crack sensitivity of the alloyed layer as compared with the addition of W_(2)C powder.An improvement in average microhardness was achieved in the matrix in specimen A,B and C,with the value of 615,602 and 277 HV_(0.5),while that of the substrate was 212 HV_(0.5).The increase of microhardness,wear and corrosion resistance is highly corelated to microstructure,formed phases,type and content of carbides,micro-hardness and toughness of the alloyed layers.展开更多
Based on the microstructure characterization,electrochemical impedance spectroscopy,potentiodynamic polarization,and immersion corrosion,this work comparatively analyzed the differences in the electrochemical corrosio...Based on the microstructure characterization,electrochemical impedance spectroscopy,potentiodynamic polarization,and immersion corrosion,this work comparatively analyzed the differences in the electrochemical corrosion morphology and post-foil formation surface morphology of laser beam welded(LBW)sample and spin-formed sample,and compared the corrosion resistance and Cu foil formation ability of two samples in H_(2)SO_(4)/NaCl solution and CuSO_(4) reducing electrolyte.Results show that in H_(2)SO_(4) and NaCl solutions,LBW sample and spin-formed sample exhibit excellent passivation ability and corrosion resistance.Both samples show uniform corrosion morphologies and similar corrosion resistance in the strong acidic solution containing Cl^(-).Meanwhile,the Cu foil formation ability of the welded joint is similar to that of the spin-formed sample,and both samples obtain intact Cu foils with high-quality surfaces and small differences in properties.展开更多
SiC_(f)/SiC ceramic matrix composites(SiC_(f)/SiC composites)are difficult to drill small holes due to their heterogeneity,high hardness,and low electrical conductivity.In order to solve the difficulties of poor quali...SiC_(f)/SiC ceramic matrix composites(SiC_(f)/SiC composites)are difficult to drill small holes due to their heterogeneity,high hardness,and low electrical conductivity.In order to solve the difficulties of poor quality and low efficiency when drilling small holes,a novel femtosecond laser rotary drilling(FLRD)technique is proposed.Beam kinematic paths and experimental studies were carried out to analyze the effects of processing parameters on the drilling results in the two-step drilling process.In the through-hole drilling stage,the material removal rate increases with increasing laser power,decreasing feed speed and decreasing pitch.As for the finishing stage of drilling,the exit diameter increased with increasing laser power and decreasing feed speed.The drilling parameters were selected by taking the processing efficiency of through-hole and the quality of finished hole as the constraint criteria.Holes with a diameter of 500μm were drilled using FLRD in 3 mm thick SiC_(f)/SiC composites with a drilling time<150 s.The hole aspect ratio was 6,the taper<0.2°,and there was no significant thermal damage at the orifice or the wall of the hole.The FLRD provides a solution for precision machining of small holes in difficult-to-machine materials by offering the advantages of high processing quality and short drilling times.展开更多
The poor surface conditions and osseointegration capacity of 3D printed Ti6Al4V implants(3DPT)significantly influence their performance as orthopedic and dental implants.In this work,we creatively introduce a one-step...The poor surface conditions and osseointegration capacity of 3D printed Ti6Al4V implants(3DPT)significantly influence their performance as orthopedic and dental implants.In this work,we creatively introduce a one-step femtosecond laser treatment to improve the surface conditions and osteointegration.The surface characterization,mechanical properties,corrosion resistance,and biological responses were investigated.These results found that femtosecond laser eliminated defects like embedded powders and superficial cracks while forming the nano cones-like structures surface on 3DPT,leading to enhanced osseointegration,anti-corrosion,and anti-fatigue performance.Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the ablation removal mechanism and the formation of nano cone-like structures.These findings were further supported by the in vivo studies,showing that the FS-treated implants had superior bone-implant contact and osseointegration.Hence,the one-step femtosecond laser method is regarded as a promising surface modification method for improving the functional performance of Ti-based orthopedic implants.展开更多
Broad area quantum cascade lasers(BA QCLs)have significant applications in many areas,but suffer from demanding pulse operating conditions and poor beam quality due to heat accumulation and generation of high order mo...Broad area quantum cascade lasers(BA QCLs)have significant applications in many areas,but suffer from demanding pulse operating conditions and poor beam quality due to heat accumulation and generation of high order modes.A structure of mini-array is adopted to improve the heat dissipation capacity and beam quality of BA QCLs.The active region is etched to form a multi-emitter and the channels are filled with In P:Fe,which acts as a lateral heat dissipation channel to improve the lateral heat dissipation efficiency.A device withλ~4.8μm,a peak output power of 122 W at 1.2%duty cycle with a pulse of 1.5μs is obtained in room temperature,with far-field single-lobed distribution.This result allows BA QCLs to obtain high peak power at wider pump pulse widths and higher duty cycle conditions,promotes the application of the mid-infrared laser operating in pulsed mode in th e field of standoff photoacoustic chemical detection,space optical communication,and so on.展开更多
文摘Project New Orion entails a pulsed nuclear space propulsion system that utilizes photofission through the implementation of an ultra-intense laser. The historical origins derive from the endeavors of Project Orion, which utilized thermonuclear devices to impart a considerable velocity increment on the respective spacecraft. The shear magnitude of Project Orion significantly detracts from the likelihood of progressive research development testing and evaluation. Project New Orion incorporates a more feasible pathway for the progressive research development testing and evaluation of the pulsed nuclear space propulsion system. Photofission through the application of an ultra-intense laser enables a much more controllable and scalable nuclear yield. The energy source for the ultra-intense laser is derived from a first stage liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen chemical propulsion system. A portion of the thermal/kinetic energy of the rocket propulsive fluid is converted to electrical energy through a magneto-hydrodynamic generator with cryogenic propellant densification for facilitating the integral superconducting magnets. Fundamental analysis of Project New Orion demonstrates the capacity to impart a meaningful velocity increment through ultra-intense laser derived photofission on a small spacecraft.
基金supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant Nos.ZYGX2016J065 and ZYGX2016J066)
文摘A theoretical and numerical model of photon and electron–positron pair production in strong-field quantum electrodynamics（QED） is described. Two processes are contained in our QED theoretical model, one is photon emission in the interaction of ultra-intense laser with relativistic electron（or positron）, and the other is pair production by a gamma-ray photon interacting with the laser field.This model has been included in a PIC/MCC simulation code named BUMBLEBEE 1 D, which is used to simulate the laser plasma interaction. Using this code, the evolutions of electron–positron pair and gamma-ray photon production in ultra-intense laser interaction with aluminum foil target are simulated and analyzed. The simulation results revealed that more positrons are moved in the opposite direction to the incident direction of the laser under the charge separation field.
文摘Antimatter has been generated in large quantities by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Titan laser. The Titan laser is an ultra-intense laser system on the order of approximately 1020W/cm2 with pulse durations of roughly 1ps. With the Titan laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold, antimatter on the scale of 2 × 1010 positrons are generated. Roughly 90% of the generated positrons are ejected anisotropic and aft to the respective target. The mechanisms for the laser-derived positron antimatter generation involve electron interaction with the nuclei based on bremsstrahlung photons that yield electron-positron pairs as a consequence of the Bethe-Heitler process, which predominates the Trident process. Given the constraints of the current and near future technology space, a pulsed space propulsion configuration is advocated for antimatter derived space propulsion, similar in concept to pulsed radioisotope propulsion. Antimatter is generated through an ultra-intense laser on the scale of a Titan laser incident on a gold target and annihilated in a closed chamber, representative of a combustion chamber. Upon reaching a temperature threshold, the closed chamber opens, producing a pulse of thrust. The implication of the pulsed space propulsion antimatter architecture is that the energy source for the antimatter propulsion system can be decoupled from the actual spacecraft. In contrast to conventional chemical propulsion systems, which require storage of its respective propulsive chemical potential energy, the proposed antimatter propulsion architecture may have the energy source at a disparate location from the spacecraft. The ultra-intense laser could convey its laser energy over a distance to the actual spacecraft equipped with the positron antimatter pulsed space propulsion system. Hydrogen is considered as the propulsive fluid, in light of its low molecular weight. Fundamental analysis is applied to preliminarily define the performance of the positron antimatter derived pulsed space propulsion system. The fundamental performance analysis of the antimatter pulsed space propulsion system successfully reveals the architecture is viable for further evaluation.
文摘The fundamental performance analysis of an advanced concept ramjet propulsion system using antimatter is presented. Antimatter is generated by ultra-intense laser pulses incident on a gold target. The scientific foundation for the generation of antimatter by an ultra-intense laser was established in the early 1970’s and later demonstrated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 2008 to 2009. Antimatter on the scale of 2 × 1010 positrons were generated through a ~1 ps pulse from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Titan laser that has an intensity of ~1020 W/cm2. The predominant mechanism is the Bethe-Heitler process, which involves high-energy bremsstrahlung photons as a result of electron-nuclei interaction. Propulsion involving lasers through chemical rather than non-chemical interaction has been previously advocated by Phipps. The major utilities of the ultra-intense laser derived antimatter ramjet are the capability to generate antimatter without a complex storage system and the ability to decouple the antimatter ramjet propulsion system from the energy source. For instance the ultra-intense laser and energy source could be terrestrial, while the ramjet could be mounted to a UAV as a propulsion system. With the extrapolation of current technologies, a sufficient number of pulses by ultra-intense lasers are eventually anticipated for the generation of antimatter to heat the propulsive flow of a ramjet. Fundamental performance analysis is provided based on an ideal ramjet derivation that is modified to address the proposed antimatter ramjet architecture.
文摘Photofission enables a unique capability for the domain of non-chemical space propulsion. An ultra-intense laser enables the capacity to induce nuclear fission through the development of bre- msstrahlung photons. A fundamental architecture and performance analysis of a photofission pulsed space propulsion system through the operation of an ultra-intense laser is presented. A historical perspective of previous conceptual nuclear fission propulsion systems is addressed. These applications use neutron derived nuclear fission;however, there is inherent complexity that has precluded further development. The background of photofission is detailed. The conceptual architecture of photofission pulsed space propulsion and fundamental performance parameters are established. The implications are the energy source and ultra-intense laser can be situated far remote from the propulsion system. Advances in supporting laser technologies are anticipated to increase the potential for photofission pulsed space propulsion. The fundamental performance analysis of the photofission pulsed space propulsion system indicates the architecture is feasible for further evaluation.
文摘The interaction of micro-bubbles with ultra-intense laser pulses has been shown to generate ultra-high proton densities and correspondingly high electric fields.Weinvestigate the possibility of using such a combination to study the fundamental physical phenomenon of vacuum polarization.With current or near-future laser systems,measurement of vacuum polarization via the bending of gamma rays that pass near imploded microbubbles may be possible.Since it is independent of photon energy to within the leading-order solution of the Heisenberg–Euler Lagrangian and the geometric optics approximation,the corresponding index of refraction can dominate the indices of refraction due to other effects at sufficiently high photon energies.We consider the possibility of its application to a transient gamma-ray lens.
文摘An electromagnetic solitary structure in attosecond regime is identified, costreaming with electron bunch. It is observed via nonlinear process of Self-Thomson backscattering of an ultra-intense laser from thin foil target. The process is termed as Self-Thomson Backscattering since the counter propagating electron sheets are generated by the drive laser itself. The radiation pressure acceleration model is considered for the interaction of a super-intense linearly polarized laser pulse with a thin foil in one-dimensional (1D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations.
文摘A pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target is conceptually presented through fundamental performance analysis. As opposed to traditional strategies positron antimatter is considered rather than antiproton antimatter. Positron antimatter can be produced by an ultra- intense laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold. The ultra-intense laser production of positron antimatter mechanism greatly alleviates constraints, such as requirements for antimatter storage imperative for antiproton antimatter. Also the ultra-intense laser and associated energy source can be stationary or positioned remote while the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion is in flight. Various mechanisms for antimatter catalyzed fusion are considered, for which the preferred mechanism is the antiproton hotspot ignition strategy. Fundamental performance analysis is subsequently applied to derive positron antimatter generation requirements and associated propulsion performance. The characteristics of the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target imply a promising non-chemical propulsion alternative for the transport of bulk cargo to support space missions.
文摘A controllable strategy for eliciting nuclear fusion is presented through ultra-intenselaser derived positron generation by a conceptual first physics perspective. The capability to generate positrons on demand in a controlled manner through an ultra-intense laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold, is the intrinsic core to the foundation of controllable nuclear fusion. Positron antimatter generated from the periphery of the fusion fuel pellet provides the basis for initiating the fusion reaction, which is regulated by controlling the operation of the ultra-intense laser. A dual pulsed Fast Ignition mechanism is selected to achieve the fusion reaction. Based on first physics performance analysis the controllable strategy for eliciting nuclear fusion through ultra-intenselaser derived positron generation offers a realizable means for achieving regulated nuclear fusion. A future perspective of the controllable fusion strategy addresses the opportunities and concerns of a pathway toward regulated nuclear fusion.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2022YFA1602402,2022YFA1602404)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.12235003,12388102)。
文摘Utilizing the laser-driven Z-pinch e ect,we propose an approach for generating an ultrashort,intense Me V neutron source with femtosecond pulse duration.The self-generated magnetic field driven by a petawatt-class laser pulse compressed the deuterium in a single nanowire to more than 120 times its initial density,achieving an unprecedented particle number density of 10^(25)cm^(-3).Through full-dimensional kinetic simulations,including nuclear reactions,we found that these Z-pinches can generate high-intensity and short-duration neutron pulses,with the peak flux reaching 10^(27)cm^(-2)s^(-1).Such laser-driven neutron sources are beyond the capabilities of existing approaches and pave the way for groundbreaking applications in r-process nucleosynthesis studies and high-precision time-of-flight neutron data measurements.
基金funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the European IMPULSE project under grant agreement No.871161from LASERLAB-EUROPE V under grant agreement No.871124+1 种基金funding from the Ministerio de Ciencia,Innovación y Universidades in Spain,through ICTS Equipment grant No.EQC2018-005230-P,further from grant PID2021-125389OA-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER,UE‘ERDF A way of making Europe’,by the European Union and in addition from grants from the Junta de Castilla y León,No.CLP263P20 and No.CLP087U16
文摘We introduce a versatile high-repetition-rate solid tape target system suitable for relativistic laser-plasma driven secondary sources. We demonstrate the operation and stability monitoring based on a petawatt laser focused at 1 Hz.Experiments were carried out at the VEGA-3 laser system of the Centro de Láseres Pulsados facility where results for different tape materials and thicknesses are presented. Experimental proton spectra were recorded by a Thomson parabola spectrometer and a time-of-flight detector. In addition, non-invasive detectors, such as a target charging monitor and ionization chamber detectors, were tested as metrology for the stability of the source. Degradation of the proton signal at high-repetition-rate operation was observed and it was solved by online optimization of the relative focus position of the target and laser beam parameters. We report the use of the tape target for bursts of 1000 shots at1 Hz with mean cut-off energies of about 10 MeV in optimized interaction conditions.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2022YFA1604401)the Shanghai Science and Technology Committee Program(Grant Nos.22560780100 and 23560750200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.61925507)。
文摘Compressing all the energy of a laser pulse into a spatiotemporal focal cube edged by the laser center wavelength will realize the highest intensity of an ultra-intense ultrashort laser,which is called theλ^(3) regime or theλ^(3) laser.Herein,we introduced a rotational hyperbolic mirror—an important rotational conic section mirror with two foci—that is used as a secondary focusing mirror after a rotational parabolic mirror to reduce the focal spot size from several wavelengths to a single wavelength by significantly increasing the focusing angular aperture.Compared with the rotational ellipsoidal mirror,the first focal spot with a high intensity,as well as some unwanted strong-field effects,is avoided.The optimal focusing condition of this method is presented and the enhanced tight focusing for a femtosecond petawatt laser and theλ3 laser is numerically simulated,which can enhance the focused intensities of ultra-intense ultrashort lasers for laser physics.
基金This work was supported by the Science Challenge Project(No.TZ2016005)NSAF(No.U1730449)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.11575030 and 11975055)the National Key Programme for S&T Research and Development in China(No.2016YFA0401100).
文摘Experimental and simulation data[Moreau et al.,Plasma Phys.Control.Fusion 62,014013(2019);Kaymak et al.,Phys.Rev.Lett.117,035004(2016)]indicate that self-generated magnetic fields play an important role in enhancing the flux and energy of relativistic electrons accelerated by ultra-intense laser pulse irradiation with nanostructured arrays.A fully relativistic analytical model for the generation of the magnetic field based on electron magneto-hydrodynamic description is presented here.The analytical model shows that this self-generated magnetic field originates in the nonparallel density gradient and fast electron current at the interfaces of a nanolayered target.A general formula for the self-generated magnetic field is found,which closely agrees with the simulation scaling over the relevant intensity range.The result is beneficial to the experimental designs for the interaction of the laser pulse with the nanostructured arrays to improve laser-to-electron energy coupling and the quality of forward hot electrons.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 19784001)the National High-Tech ICF Committee of China and the Research Fund for Doctoral Program of Higher Education (Grant No. 98002713).
文摘A relativistic semi-classical theory (RSCT) of H-atom ionizationin ultra-intense laser (UIL) is proposed. A relativistic analytical expression for ionization probability of H-atom in its ground state is given. This expression, compared with non-relativistic expression, clearly shows the effects of the magnet vector in the laser, the non-dipole approximation and the relativistic mass-energy relation on the ionization processes. At the same time, we show that under some conditions the relativistic expression reduces to the non-relativistic expression of non-dipole approximation. At last, some possible applications of the relativistic theory are briefly stated.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2017YFE0123700)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB1603)+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61925507,62075227,12004402,61635012)the Program of Shanghai Academic/Technology Research Leader(18XD1404200)the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(2017SHZDZX02)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS(2020248)
文摘We demonstrate an ultra-broadband high temporal contrast infrared laser source based on cascaded optical parametric amplification,hollow-core fiber(HCF)and second harmonic generation processes.In this setup,the spectrum of an approximately 1.8μm laser pulse has near 1μm full bandwidth by employing an argon gas-filled HCF.Subsequently,after frequency doubling with cascaded crystals and dispersion compensation by a fused silica wedge pair,9.6 fs(~3cycles)and 150μJ pulses centered at 910 nm with full bandwidth of over 300 nm can be generated.The energy stability of the output laser pulse is excellent with 0.8%(root mean square)over 20 min,and the temporal contrast is>10^(12)at-10 ps before the main pulse.The excellent temporal and spatial characteristics and stability make this laser able to be used as a good seed source for ultra-intense and ultrafast laser systems.
文摘In-situ formed high Mn steel coating reinforced by carbides was formed by laser surface alloying(LSA).Laser alloyed layers on 1Cr18Ni9Ti steel with Mn+W_(2)C(specimen A),Mn+NiWC(specimen B)and Mn+SiC(specimen C)powders were fabricated to improve the wear and corrosion behavior of 1Cr18Ni9Ti steel blades in high speed mixers.Microstructure evolution,phases,element distribution,microhardness,wear and corrosion behavior of the laser alloyed layers were investigated.Results indicated that high Mn steel matrix composites with undissolved W_(2)C,WC and other in-situ formed carbides were formed by LSA with Mn+W_(2)C and Mn+NiWC while SiC totally dissolved into the high Mn matrix when adding Mn+SiC.Ni as the binding phase in Ni-WC powder decreased the crack sensitivity of the alloyed layer as compared with the addition of W_(2)C powder.An improvement in average microhardness was achieved in the matrix in specimen A,B and C,with the value of 615,602 and 277 HV_(0.5),while that of the substrate was 212 HV_(0.5).The increase of microhardness,wear and corrosion resistance is highly corelated to microstructure,formed phases,type and content of carbides,micro-hardness and toughness of the alloyed layers.
基金Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province(2022GY-410)Funding of Western Titanium Technologies Co.,Ltd(WX2210)。
文摘Based on the microstructure characterization,electrochemical impedance spectroscopy,potentiodynamic polarization,and immersion corrosion,this work comparatively analyzed the differences in the electrochemical corrosion morphology and post-foil formation surface morphology of laser beam welded(LBW)sample and spin-formed sample,and compared the corrosion resistance and Cu foil formation ability of two samples in H_(2)SO_(4)/NaCl solution and CuSO_(4) reducing electrolyte.Results show that in H_(2)SO_(4) and NaCl solutions,LBW sample and spin-formed sample exhibit excellent passivation ability and corrosion resistance.Both samples show uniform corrosion morphologies and similar corrosion resistance in the strong acidic solution containing Cl^(-).Meanwhile,the Cu foil formation ability of the welded joint is similar to that of the spin-formed sample,and both samples obtain intact Cu foils with high-quality surfaces and small differences in properties.
基金the support of the Xingliao Talent Program of Liaoning Province(No.XLYC2001004)the High Level Talents Innovation Plan of Dalian(No.2020RD02)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.DUT22LAB501).
文摘SiC_(f)/SiC ceramic matrix composites(SiC_(f)/SiC composites)are difficult to drill small holes due to their heterogeneity,high hardness,and low electrical conductivity.In order to solve the difficulties of poor quality and low efficiency when drilling small holes,a novel femtosecond laser rotary drilling(FLRD)technique is proposed.Beam kinematic paths and experimental studies were carried out to analyze the effects of processing parameters on the drilling results in the two-step drilling process.In the through-hole drilling stage,the material removal rate increases with increasing laser power,decreasing feed speed and decreasing pitch.As for the finishing stage of drilling,the exit diameter increased with increasing laser power and decreasing feed speed.The drilling parameters were selected by taking the processing efficiency of through-hole and the quality of finished hole as the constraint criteria.Holes with a diameter of 500μm were drilled using FLRD in 3 mm thick SiC_(f)/SiC composites with a drilling time<150 s.The hole aspect ratio was 6,the taper<0.2°,and there was no significant thermal damage at the orifice or the wall of the hole.The FLRD provides a solution for precision machining of small holes in difficult-to-machine materials by offering the advantages of high processing quality and short drilling times.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U21A2055),Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin of China(No.21JCQNJC01280)Tianjin Key R&D Program Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Collaborative Innovation Project(No.22YFXTHZ00120).
文摘The poor surface conditions and osseointegration capacity of 3D printed Ti6Al4V implants(3DPT)significantly influence their performance as orthopedic and dental implants.In this work,we creatively introduce a one-step femtosecond laser treatment to improve the surface conditions and osteointegration.The surface characterization,mechanical properties,corrosion resistance,and biological responses were investigated.These results found that femtosecond laser eliminated defects like embedded powders and superficial cracks while forming the nano cones-like structures surface on 3DPT,leading to enhanced osseointegration,anti-corrosion,and anti-fatigue performance.Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the ablation removal mechanism and the formation of nano cone-like structures.These findings were further supported by the in vivo studies,showing that the FS-treated implants had superior bone-implant contact and osseointegration.Hence,the one-step femtosecond laser method is regarded as a promising surface modification method for improving the functional performance of Ti-based orthopedic implants.
文摘Broad area quantum cascade lasers(BA QCLs)have significant applications in many areas,but suffer from demanding pulse operating conditions and poor beam quality due to heat accumulation and generation of high order modes.A structure of mini-array is adopted to improve the heat dissipation capacity and beam quality of BA QCLs.The active region is etched to form a multi-emitter and the channels are filled with In P:Fe,which acts as a lateral heat dissipation channel to improve the lateral heat dissipation efficiency.A device withλ~4.8μm,a peak output power of 122 W at 1.2%duty cycle with a pulse of 1.5μs is obtained in room temperature,with far-field single-lobed distribution.This result allows BA QCLs to obtain high peak power at wider pump pulse widths and higher duty cycle conditions,promotes the application of the mid-infrared laser operating in pulsed mode in th e field of standoff photoacoustic chemical detection,space optical communication,and so on.
