Research Field
List of Research Fields
1. High Energy Density Science
- Laser Astrophysics
- High Pressure / Laser Earth & Planetary Science
- High Magnetic Field Science
- Quantum Beam Science
- Plasma Science
2. Laser Science and Optics
- Terahertz Science
- Power Laser Science
- Laser & Optical Material
3. Initiative
- Physical Informatics
4.General Subjects
Other Collaborative Research
- Laser Fusion Science
- Paid Usage Collaborative Research
- Simultaneous use of high power nanosecond laser HERMES and X-ray free electron laser SACLA
Details of Research Fiels
1. High Energy Density Science
Laser Astrophysics (Representative: Masahiro Hoshino (Professor), Contact scientist: Youichi Sakawa (Associate Professor))
Utilizing high-temperature, high-energy-density, and ultra-high flow-velocity plasmas observed only in the Universe, we aim to understand plasma physics and astrophysics using large-energy/high-power lasers in the laboratories. Many astrophysical phenomena such as collisionless shock generation, magnetic reconnection, plasma-jet collimation and instabilities are related to explosion and instantaneous energy-release. We simulate these phenomena in the laboratory using pulse lasers. Relativistic laser astrophysics, such as electron-positron plasma generation and particle acceleration using high-intensity lasers, is also an important topic of interest.
We also study theory and simulation on these topics shown above.
(a)Laser Plasma Astrophysics: Experiment
(b) Laser Plasma Astrophysics: Theory/Simulation
High Pressure / Laser Earth & Planetary Science (Representative: Toshimori Sekine (Professor), Contact scientist: Keisuke Shigemori (Professor))
High-energy lasers can generate extreme pressure and temperature conditions beyond the limit of traditional high-pressure apparatus such as large volume press, diamond anvil cell, and light-gas gun. It can be applied to study physical properties of the Earth and planetary materials, as well as various impact phenomena of planetary surfaces. We investigate the EOS of shocked materials, high-pressure phase transitions, physical properties of solids and liquids, deformation and breaking mechanism, acceleration and impact process, degassing and vaporization of shocked materials, synthesis and chemical reaction of prebiotic materials, gravitational instability simulating core formation, and so on, using newly developed in-situ measurements and recovery methods to clarify the formation process, internal structure and evolution of the Earth and other planets including Super-Earths.
(a) In-situ Measurements of Shock-compressed Materials
(b) High-speed Impact and Recovery of the Sample
High Magnetic Field Science (Representative: Joao Santos (Dr.), Contact scientist: Shinsuke Fujioka (Professor))
The combination of laser-produced strong magnetic field and high-energy-density plasma can open a novel field of plasma physics. The objectives of this subject are to develop an experimental platform utilizing 100 kT and to build domestic and international networks. We welcome your proposals to develop novel generation schemes of strong magnetic field, to control generation and transport of laser-accelerated beams, to understand high-energy-density-plasma physics under the strong magnetic field, and to apply the strong magnetic field to ICF and MCF plasmas. We also welcome interdisciplinary proposals, for example, plasma propulsion with strong magnetic field and x-ray spectroscopy under strong magnetic field for x-ray astronomy applications.
Quantum Beam Science (Representative: Takehito Hayakawa, Contact scientist: Akifumi Yogo (Associate Professor))
Laser-produced plasma generates high energy particles, including ions, electrons, neutrons, and intense radiative emission ranging from extreme ultra violet (EUV) to gamma-ray. This research project aims to investigate Laser Quantum Beams mentioned above, especially on its generation mechanism, energy scaling, demonstration of applications, and improvement of performances (e.g., generation efficiency, monochromaticity, highest energy, stabilization, control of emittance, etc.). This research project will be collaboratively carried out by a few groups using facilities at ILE and possibly at other institutions. Major subjects will be
(a) Laser-driven Particle Acceleration and Neutron Generation and Applications
(b) Laser-driven x- or gamma-rays and Applications
(c) Laser-driven Nuclear Physics and Application
Plasma Science (Representative: Ryosuke Kodama (Professor), Contact scientists: Hiroyuki Shiraga (Professor) and Yasuhiko Sentoku (Professor))
A research proposal on plasma science related to high energy density science excluded in the above subjects is welcome for both theoretical and experimental research.
2. Laser Science and Optics
Terahertz Science (Contact scientist: Makoto Nakajima (Associate Professor))
The development of terahertz (THz) devices such as terahertz emitter, detector, and other THz components will be performed. Various applications of THz waves using femtosecond pulsed laser such as THz time domain spectroscopy and THz imaging will also be investigated. THz properties of semiconductors, superconductors, magnetic materials, biological materials, and nonlinear optical crystals, etc. can be evaluated and utilized for THz devices. Superconducting photonics and strongly correlated electron photonics will be explored using these devices, together with the application of metamaterials which are new artificial materials to THz technology.
(a) THz Technology
(b) Superconducting Photonics and Strongly Correlated Electron Photonics
(c) Metamaterials
Power Laser Science (Contact scientist: Junji Kawanaka (Professor))
Novel techniques and technology for the next high power laser operation with a high pulse energy and repetition rate are required for the advancement of science, medicine, and industry. In addition, the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) such as AI and IoT into the next power laser increases and extends application fields due to its autonomously controlled operation for multiple purposes.
(a) Basic technical elements and technology for the next high power laser
(b) Phase, wavefront and spectral control
(c) Introduction of ICT into the next power laser and its operation
Laser & Optical Material (Contact scientists: Nobuhiko Sarukura (Professor) and Masashi Yoshimura (Professor))
Next-generation light sources open infinite possibilities in optical technology for basic and applied research from environmental monitoring to high-power laser development. For example, ultrashort optical pulsed lasers in the ultraviolet (UV) to deep ultraviolet (DUV) region can be used for material processing and gas sensing applications. We are then investigating various laser and optical materials, both experimentally and theoretically, such as oxide and fluoride glasses, crystals, and nanostructures. We aim to (1) develop and characterize novel optical materials, (2) understand their properties and applications, (3) reduce detrimental crystal defects, (4) develop damage-resistant lenses, windows, and scintillators, and (5) realize high-power DUV lasers and processing machines. Together with researchers inside and outside of Japan, the general topics of our research include:
(a) Deep ultraviolet lasers
(b) Laser and optical materials research
(c) Terahertz studies and applications
3. Initiative
Physical Informatics (Contact scientist: Hideo Nagatomo (Associate Professor))
Data that grows with the advancement of simulation and experimental measurement methods will be applied to information science to deepen understanding of physical phenomena, which can lead to new discoveries. Alternatively, we will conduct research such as improving the controllability of laser plasma. (If you want to link with this cross-cutting field even if you are applying in another field, please enter “Please link in the physical informatics field” in the remarks column when applying.)
4.General Subjects
The theme is based on a free conception of the researcher to use the device and the calculation code, etc. The application is examined/evaluated every single fiscal year.
Other Collaborative Research
Laser Fusion Science (Contact scientist: Hiroyuki Shiraga (Professor))
The joint usage/research related to the laser fusion is conducted as an Interactive Collaborative Research of the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), so please apply for “Interactive Collaborative Research” of NIFS. For details, please refer to the NIFS website.
Paid Usage Collaborative Research (Contact scientist: Keisuke Shigemori (Professor))
The large laser facility of ILE can be used for a fee. Whether the research content does not conflict with defense technology or security export control will be judged by the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Issues Committee. Please contact the contact scientist for details.
Simultaneous use of high power nanosecond laser HERMES and X-ray free electron laser SACLA
For information about research applications that use the high-power nanosecond laser HERMES (ILE) and the X-ray free electron laser SACLA (RIKEN Harima Branch), please visit the SACLA website.
