Development and prospects of radiation sources from high field laser-irradiated structured targets

Micro- and nano-structured targets represent a pivotal technological pathway for controlling laser-target interactions and advancing intense radiation sources. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the development and future prospects of intense laser-driven radiation sources based on structured targets. First, it outlines their key role in regulating laser-target coupling, energy absorption, and radiation generation. It then summarizes recent advances in experimental and theoretical research, followed by a discussion of frontier physical and technical progress with petawatt-class laser systems. Finally, the future research trends and technological development requirements for the radiation sources based on laser-irradiated structured targets are prospected.