Research on high-intensity laser physics at the China Institute of Atomic Energy and its applications in nuclear science

Li Zhanpeng; Lv Chong; Sun Wei; Xi Xiaofeng; Zhao Baozhen; Liu Qiushi; Ban Xiaona; Wang Yuanhang; Gao Zhixing; Wang Zhao; Guo Bing

doi:10.11884/HPLPB202638.250407

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Article Navigation > High Power Laser and Particle Beams > 2026 > Accepted Manuscript

Li Zhanpeng, Lv Chong, Sun Wei, et al. Research on high-intensity laser physics at the China Institute of Atomic Energy and its applications in nuclear science[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250407

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Li Zhanpeng, Lv Chong, Sun Wei, et al. Research on high-intensity laser physics at the China Institute of Atomic Energy and its applications in nuclear science[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250407

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Research on high-intensity laser physics at the China Institute of Atomic Energy and its applications in nuclear science

doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250407

Li Zhanpeng^{1, 2
,},
Lv Chong^{1
,
,},
Sun Wei¹,
Xi Xiaofeng¹,
Zhao Baozhen¹,
Liu Qiushi¹,
Ban Xiaona¹,
Wang Yuanhang¹,
Gao Zhixing¹,
Wang Zhao^{1
,
,},
Guo Bing^{1, 2
,
,}

1.
Department of Nuclear Physics, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
2.
School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China

Received Date: 2025-11-14
Accepted Date: 2025-12-23
Rev Recd Date: 2025-01-09

Available Online: 2026-02-07

Abstract

Abstract

High-intensity laser technology, based on chirped pulse amplification, produces extreme optical fields on ultrashort timescales, providing a powerful platform for studying strong-field quantum electrodynamics, laser-plasma interactions, and extreme nuclear environments. This review summarizes the major progress made by the Laser Nuclear Physics Research Team at the Department of Nuclear Physics, China Institute of Atomic Energy, in developing petawatt-class laser systems, theoretical modeling, diagnostic techniques, and applications in nuclear science and industry. The team successfully commissioned a 100 TW ultrafast ultra-intense laser facility in 2023, featuring advanced high-contrast pulse shaping through cross-polarized wave generation and spectral broadening techniques. Additional innovations include thermally optimized eye-safe micro-lasers with improved bonding structures. Theoretical efforts used particle-in-cell simulations to enhance ion acceleration via Coulomb explosion in multilayer targets, achieving high-quality quasi-monoenergetic proton beams under optimized dual-pulse configurations. A novel approach for generating bright circularly polarized γ-rays was proposed, exploiting vacuum dichroism-assisted vacuum birefringence effects. Diagnostic advancements involved refined Nomarski interferometry for precise gas-jet target profiling and fission-source-gated methods for accurate neutron detector calibration. Key applications encompass plasma-based measurements of astrophysical nuclear reaction factors, vortex γ-photon manipulation of nuclear multipole resonances, laser-driven flyer acceleration for high-pressure equation-of-state studies, and enhanced laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for trace element monitoring in nuclear facilities. These achievements facilitate simulation of stellar nuclear synthesis, advanced radiation sources, materials testing under extreme conditions, and nuclear safety monitoring, laying the foundation for future compact, high-repetition-rate laser systems in energy security and frontier nuclear research.
- high-intensity laser,
- laser-driven particle acceleration,
- laser nuclear physics,
- laser-plasma diagnostics,
- nuclear technology applications

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References(66)

References

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