Extreme Energy Density Confined Inside a Transparent Crystal: Status and Perspectives of Solid-Plasma-Solid...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Laser Physics
• High-Pressure Physics

Background:

• Intense ultra-short laser pulses focused inside dielectrics achieve high energy densities (MJ/cm3).
• This energy concentration drives rapid heating and quenching, enabling unusual solid-plasma-solid transformations.
• Previously, Gaussian beams (GB) were used, leading to the formation of novel high-pressure material phases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review previous findings on laser-induced material transformations.
• To discuss the potential of Bessel beams (BB) for achieving higher energy densities.
• To explore how BB properties can enhance material transformation compared to GB.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research on ultra-short laser pulse interactions with dielectrics.
• Analysis of energy density achievable with Gaussian beams (GB).
• Theoretical discussion on the advantages of Bessel beams (BB) for energy concentration.

Main Results:

• Gaussian beams (GB) have demonstrated the ability to create novel high-pressure material phases.
• Bessel beams (BB) have shown potential to transform larger material volumes.
• Bessel beams (BB) may achieve higher energy densities than Gaussian beams (GB).

Conclusions:

• Bessel beams (BB) offer unique properties for laser-induced material modification.
• Further investigation into BB is warranted for optimizing high-pressure phase formation.
• BB present a promising route for advancing research in laser-driven material science.