Strong Field Physics: Ultra-Intense Light Interaction with Matter

by Todd Ditmire

Overview

This book presents the foundational physics underlying the generation of high intensity laser light and its interaction with matter. Comprehensive and rigorous, it describes how the strong electric and magnetic fields of a high intensity light pulse can shape the nonlinear dynamics of all forms of matter, from single electrons up to atomic clusters and plasmas. Key equations are derived from first principles and important results are clearly explained, providing readers with a firm understanding of the fundamental concepts that underlie modern strong field physics research. The text concludes with suggestions for further reading, along with an extensive reference list. Effective as both an educational resource and as a reference text, this book will be invaluable to graduates and researchers across the atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) and plasma physics communities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521760836
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/05/2025
Pages:	868
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 1.81(d)

About the Author

Todd Ditmire is Professor of Physics at the University of Texas at Austin, and is Director of the Center for High Energy Density Science. He experimentally studies high intensity laser-matter interactions and develops ultra-high peak power lasers. He is Fellow of the American Physical Society and co-founder of the laser company National Energetics.

Table of Contents

Preface, 1. Introduction to Strong Field Physics, 2. Strong Field Generation by High Intensity Lasers, 3. Strong Field Interactions with Free Electrons, 4. Strong Field Interactions with Single Atoms, 5. Strong Field Interactions with Molecules, 6. Strong Field Nonlinear Optics, 7. Strong Field Interactions with Clusters, 8. Strong Field Interactions with Underdense Plasmas, 9. Strong Field Interactions with Overdense Plasmas, Appendix A. Focused Gaussian Beams, Appendix B. Summary of Basic Plasma Physics, Appendix C. List of Symbols Greek symbols, Alphanumeric symbols.