Extreme plasma physics: from fast ignition to astrophysical shocks
By: Luis Silva
From: IST
At: Complexo Interdisciplinar, Anfiteatro
[2010-05-12]
I will review the progresses in the study of scenarios associated with high energy density scenarios, in astrophysics and in the laboratory. Leveraging on the recent developments in massively parallel plasma simulations, extreme scenarios driven by intense lasers will be highlighted with the focus on plasma-based particle acceleration to the energy frontier and fast ignition of fusion targets. The same physics is present in relativistic outflows in astrophysical conditions e.g. in connection with gamma rays bursters. I will explore these connections and I will present recent results demonstrating, for the first time, ab initio Fermi acceleration in collisionless shocks.