We are looking to fill two postdoc positions (one experimental and one theoretical). Descriptions are below; Please let me know if you have any questions.
Experimental (Link): To investigate the physics of laser wakefield acceleration in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) laser regime. These experiments aim to explore unique opportunities provided by a co-located LINAC-produced electron beam in conjunction with longitudinal and transverse optical probes to investigate the properties of plasma structures created in this unique regime. The experiments will be conducted at the accelerator test facility (ATF) of the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) using the multi-terawatt CO2 laser as driver, and Ti:sapphire and the >50 MeV electron beam.
Theoretical (Link): To Investigate the spatiotemporal control over laser propagation with the goal of generating an ionization wave with prescribed characteristics. Theoretical investigation of Fresnel integral to gain insights into the results of the numerical model will be an important component of this work. Another important component is investigating the scaling of the properties of the plasma channel resulting from this ionization wave. Although primarily theoretical, there will be an opportunity for participating in proof-of-principle experiments in collaboration with the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) at the University of Rochester.