About this Research Topic
Laser-plasma interaction has been proven to be a feasible method for obtaining high-energy particle beams over shorter acceleration distances compared to rf-based accelerators. With the advent of next-generation laser facilities, the use of spin-polarized particle beams in laser-plasma based accelerators has gained significant interest for a variety of applications. This includes processes like deep-inelastic scattering, where spin-polarized particles may be used to investigate the nuclear structure of the proton. Another application is that of nuclear fusion: in order to obtain an improved yield polarized reactants can be used to increase the corresponding cross section. Obtaining the necessary high-energy polarized particles for such applications inside and from plasma requires innovative polarization/acceleration schemes, as inhomogeneities in the prevalent electromagnetic fields can induce strong depolarization.
This Research Topic aims to address the current issue of obtaining highly spin-polarized particle beams and their acceleration by means of laser-matter interaction, including both in-situ generation of polarization or pre-polarizing the target before acceleration. Novel methods of acceleration conserving a high degree of spin polarization form another large part of this goal. Further, the relevance of quantum electrodynamical effects shall be explored. Regarding applications, the efficient utilization of spin-polarized ion beams in laser-driven fusion as well as for magnetic plasma confinement is of strong current interest.
Themes include but are not limited to:
- Laser-plasma based schemes for the acceleration of spin-polarized particles
- Methods for polarizing leptons and hadrons in plasma
- Innovative target technologies
- Investigation of spin-dependent effects in quantum electrodynamics
- Use of polarized fuels in laser-driven fusion setups.
This Research Topics accepts submissions of the following article types: Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Brief Research Report, and Perspective.
This Research Topic aims to address the current issue of obtaining highly spin-polarized particle beams and their acceleration by means of laser-matter interaction, including both in-situ generation of polarization or pre-polarizing the target before acceleration. Novel methods of acceleration conserving a high degree of spin polarization form another large part of this goal. Further, the relevance of quantum electrodynamical effects shall be explored. Regarding applications, the efficient utilization of spin-polarized ion beams in laser-driven fusion as well as for magnetic plasma confinement is of strong current interest.
Themes include but are not limited to:
- Laser-plasma based schemes for the acceleration of spin-polarized particles
- Methods for polarizing leptons and hadrons in plasma
- Innovative target technologies
- Investigation of spin-dependent effects in quantum electrodynamics
- Use of polarized fuels in laser-driven fusion setups.
This Research Topics accepts submissions of the following article types: Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Brief Research Report, and Perspective.
Keywords: Spin Polarization, Laser-plasma Acceleration, Wakefield Acceleration, Polarized Fusion, Magnetic Vortex Acceleration, Hyperpolarization, Laser-matter Interaction, Particle-in-cell Simulations
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
