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, Available online , doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250371
Abstract:
High harmonic generation (HHG) and attosecond pulses driven by relativistically intense lasers interacting with solid-density plasma mirrors constitute a vital pathway for realizing high-brightness, short-wavelength, ultrafast coherent light sources and exploring extreme strong-field physics. In recent years, benefiting from the rapid development of laser technology, the precise control over light field degrees of freedom, such as amplitude, phase, and polarization, has spurred the emergence of structured light fields. Structured light fields significantly enrich the methods for controlling laser-matter interaction and broaden the scope of applications. This article aims to review the latest progress in controlling relativistic laser-plasma HHG and attosecond pulses using structured light fields. The work specifically discusses the characteristic control and physical mechanisms of HHG driven by novel structured light fields, including polarization structures (e.g., circularly polarized light, vector beams), phase structures (e.g., spatial vortex beams, spatiotemporal vortex beams), and amplitude structures (e.g., Bessel beams, Airy beams), with the goal of providing new perspectives for research on novel light sources based on strong-field laser-plasma interactions.
High harmonic generation (HHG) and attosecond pulses driven by relativistically intense lasers interacting with solid-density plasma mirrors constitute a vital pathway for realizing high-brightness, short-wavelength, ultrafast coherent light sources and exploring extreme strong-field physics. In recent years, benefiting from the rapid development of laser technology, the precise control over light field degrees of freedom, such as amplitude, phase, and polarization, has spurred the emergence of structured light fields. Structured light fields significantly enrich the methods for controlling laser-matter interaction and broaden the scope of applications. This article aims to review the latest progress in controlling relativistic laser-plasma HHG and attosecond pulses using structured light fields. The work specifically discusses the characteristic control and physical mechanisms of HHG driven by novel structured light fields, including polarization structures (e.g., circularly polarized light, vector beams), phase structures (e.g., spatial vortex beams, spatiotemporal vortex beams), and amplitude structures (e.g., Bessel beams, Airy beams), with the goal of providing new perspectives for research on novel light sources based on strong-field laser-plasma interactions.
, Available online , doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250412
Abstract:
The emergence and rapid advancement of ultrafast and ultraintense lasers have created unprecedented extreme physical conditions and novel experimental methods, significantly deepening and expanding our understanding of the laws governing the objective world. These developments have greatly promoted innovation in basic and frontier interdisciplinary fields as well as strategic high technology areas. Particle acceleration using the interaction of ultrafast and ultraintense lasers with plasmas is regarded as a next-generation technology for accelerators and radiation sources. It offers the potential to shrink the footprint of conventional accelerator facilities by two orders of magnitude. This dramatic reduction in size greatly expands the applicability of accelerator and radiation source technologies in industry, national defense, medicine, and scientific research, enabling transformative possibilities such as precision nondestructive testing of critical components, ultralow dose and high precision tumor diagnostics, novel low damage radiotherapy methods, and tabletop ultrafast light sources. The ultrafast and ultraintense laser platform at Zhengzhou University introduced in this paper is precisely such a next-generation facility dedicated to advanced laser accelerator research and applications. In addition, this article provides a systematic review of the significant progress achieved by Zhengzhou University in recent years in strong-field physics and advanced accelerator science.
The emergence and rapid advancement of ultrafast and ultraintense lasers have created unprecedented extreme physical conditions and novel experimental methods, significantly deepening and expanding our understanding of the laws governing the objective world. These developments have greatly promoted innovation in basic and frontier interdisciplinary fields as well as strategic high technology areas. Particle acceleration using the interaction of ultrafast and ultraintense lasers with plasmas is regarded as a next-generation technology for accelerators and radiation sources. It offers the potential to shrink the footprint of conventional accelerator facilities by two orders of magnitude. This dramatic reduction in size greatly expands the applicability of accelerator and radiation source technologies in industry, national defense, medicine, and scientific research, enabling transformative possibilities such as precision nondestructive testing of critical components, ultralow dose and high precision tumor diagnostics, novel low damage radiotherapy methods, and tabletop ultrafast light sources. The ultrafast and ultraintense laser platform at Zhengzhou University introduced in this paper is precisely such a next-generation facility dedicated to advanced laser accelerator research and applications. In addition, this article provides a systematic review of the significant progress achieved by Zhengzhou University in recent years in strong-field physics and advanced accelerator science.
, Available online , doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250101
Abstract:
Background Purpose Methods Results Conclusions
The intense electron beam-plasma system serves as an important platform for investigating beam-plasma interactions. Research in this field focuses on the design of electron beam window and the transport characteristics of electron beam in plasma.
The study aims to design and evaluate the electron beam window with excellent comprehensive performance, and to investigate the physical mechanisms underlying the focusing and transmission of intense annular electron beams in plasma.
Finite element analysis and Monte Carlo simulations were employed to compare and evaluate the mechanical, thermal, and transmission properties of candidate window materials. Theoretical analysis and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations were used to study the self-focusing transmission behavior of intense annular electron beams in plasma.
The TC4 titanium alloy window with a thickness of only 0.04 mm was found sufficient to withstand a pressure differential of 10 kPa. It achieved an energy transmission efficiency exceeding 90% while maintaining controllable temperature variations. The physical mechanism of self-focusing transmission of intense annular electron beams in plasma under conditions of 500 kV and 20 kA was revealed, clarifying the relationship between the focusing transmission period of the electron beam and the plasma density. Furthermore, an equivalent relationship between plasma density and magnetic field was established based on the correspondence between the plasma oscillation period and the electron beam cyclotron period.
The research demonstrates that TC4 titanium alloy is a suitable material for electron beam window, offering high transmission efficiency and structural stability. It also elucidates the self-focusing transmission mechanism of intense annular electron beams in plasma and establishes a periodic equivalent relationship between plasma and magnetic fields for electron beam transport.
, Available online , doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250067
Abstract:
Background Purpose Methods Results Conclusions
Neutron nuclear data are crucial for fundamental research in nuclear physics, providing essential information for nuclear science and engineering applications. Advanced high-current accelerator neutron sources serve as the foundation for nuclear data measurements. The neutron converter target is a key component of such high-current accelerator neutron sources. Under intense particle beam bombardment, the heat dissipation of the neutron converter target is a critical factor limiting the neutron yield and operational stability.
This study aims to address the insufficient heat dissipation capacity of traditional gas targets by designing a novel dynamic gas target system. By optimizing the structure of the gas target chamber to form an active cooling circulation loop, it seeks to solve the cooling problem within the confined space of the gas target chamber.
First, a conceptual design of the gas target system and chamber structure was conducted. The Target software was then used to analyze the energy straggling of incident ions caused by the metal window and the gas itself. Numerical simulations of the thermal environment inside the gas target chamber were performed. The heat source was dynamically loaded based on gas density by coupling with SRIM calculations of the heating power. The gas flow patterns within the target chamber under different beam currents and inlet velocities were analyzed.
The energy straggling calculations show that the contribution from the gas is very small, with the metal window being the primary source of energy straggling for incident ions. The simulation results indicate that as the beam current increases, the heating power rises gradually, while the density in the heated region decreases rapidly. Increasing the inlet flow velocity enhances the heat dissipation capacity and reduces the density drop effect caused by beam heating.
The comprehensive performance evaluation demonstrates that this dynamic gas target system can achieve a neutron yield of up to 5.2×1012 n/s at a beam current of 10 mA. The results prove that the novel dynamic gas target system effectively improves heat dissipation performance, contributes to obtaining a higher neutron yield, and ensures operational stability under high-current application scenarios.
, Available online , doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250261
Abstract:
Background Purpose Methods Results Conclusions
Traditional Mie theory, assuming spherical particles, is inadequate for characterizing the scattering of atmospheric non-spherical ice crystals. Existing studies are largely limited to single frequency (e.g., 94 GHz), lacking systematic quantification of key dual-polarization parameters across the millimeter/submillimeter wave spectrum, which constrains the accuracy of polarimetric radar for meteorological target detection and classification.
This study aims to systematically investigate the dual-polarization scattering properties of six typical non-spherical ice crystals—hexagonal columns, plates, hollow columns, bullet rosettes, aggregates, and supercooled water droplets—across 35, 94, 140, and 220 GHz bands. It quantifies the responses of differential reflectivity (ZDR) and linear depolarization ratio (LDR) to particle shape and orientation, providing crucial theoretical support for wideband polarimetric radar meteorology.
Scattering models were developed using the Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA) and Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) methods, cross-validated with commercial software (XFDTD, HFSS). Backscattering cross-sections, ZDR, and LDR were computed for different ice crystals across the frequency bands, analyzing the influence of particle size, geometry, and frequency.
1）The reliability of DDA was systematically validated across the 35–220 GHz range. Calculation errors for backscattering cross-sections were ≤1.5 dB for all particles except highly random aggregates. 2) Radar reflectivity factor showed a coupled wavelength dependence: small particles (equivalent radius <100 μm) were wavelength-insensitive (<1 dB difference), while large particles (>100 μm) exhibited significant shape-dependent resonance. The equivalent radius corresponding to resonance extrema increased with wavelength. 3) Characteristic ranges of ZDR and LDR for the six ice crystal types were quantified. Hexagonal plates showed the widest ZDR range (9 dB to –9 dB), while axisymmetric particles exhibited stable LDR values (–40 dB to –50 dB).
This wideband, multi-particle study addresses prior limitations in frequency coverage and parameter quantification. It demonstrates that the shape-sensitive ZDR and LDR parameters can reduce dependence on particle size distribution and significantly improve ice crystal identification accuracy, providing a key theoretical basis for millimeter/submillimeter wave polarimetric radar applications in cloud microphysics and meteorological target classification.
, Available online , doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250129
Abstract:
Background Method Purpose Results Conclusion
The gyrotron is a relativistic nonlinear device capable of generating high-power electromagnetic radiation in the millimeter-wave and terahertz frequency ranges. In most operating magnetically confined thermonuclear fusion reactors (ECH&CD), high-power gyrotrons serve as the core microwave source devices for their electron cyclotron wave heating and current drive systems. For high-power gyrotrons, the high-frequency cavity must operate in a high-order whispering gallery mode to meet the power capacity requirements. However, high order mode operation conversely introduces severe mode competition. Electron beam performance is a major factor affecting the mode competition, further limiting their efficient and stable operation, particularly in long-pulse or continuous-wave regimes. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the impact of megawatt-level gyrotron electron beam performance on beam-wave interaction.
This paper comprehensively considers electron beam performance (velocity spread, beam thickness, space charge effects, oscillation startup process, single/double-anode configuration) and establishes a sophisticated time-domain, multi-mode, multi-frequency self-consistent nonlinear beam-wave interaction model.
The study focuses on a self-developed megawatt-level 170 GHz gyrotron operating at TE25,10 mode, analyzing the structural parameter variations of the high-frequency cavity, the start-oscillation current, and the mode competition in single/dual-anode electron beam modulation.
Under operating conditions of 80 kV beam voltage, 40 A beam current, 6.72 T magnetic field, and a velocity ratio of 1.3, the output power reaches 1.35 MW with an interaction efficiency of 42.2%.
Numerical simulations demonstrate that the dual-anode modulation method significantly suppresses mode competition. The successful demonstration of this device establishes a foundation for further studies on higher power and higher-frequency gyrotron.
, Available online , doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250123
Abstract:
Background Purpose Methods Results Conclusions
Owing to its unique miniaturized structure, real-time frequency tuning capability, and broad-spectrum microwave output characteristics, the gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line (GNLTL) exhibits considerable application potential in the development of small-scale solid-state high-power microwave sources. This has driven the need for in-depth exploration of its circuit characteristics and parameter influences to optimize its performance.
This study aims to derive the analytical expression of solitons in the GNLTL equivalent circuit, construct a reliable equivalent circuit model of GNLTL, and systematically clarify the influence mechanism of key circuit parameters on its output characteristics.
Firstly, the analytical expression of solitons in the GNLTL equivalent circuit was obtained through theoretical deduction. Secondly, an equivalent circuit model of GNLTL was established using circuit simulation methods. Finally, the influence mechanism of key circuit parameters on the output characteristics of GNLTL was systematically investigated based on the constructed model.
The results show that the saturation current and initial inductance of the nonlinear inductor have a decisive effect on the nonlinear characteristics of the circuit: when these two parameters are small, the leading edge of the output pulse is not fully steepened and is accompanied by oscillating waveforms; increasing them improves the steepening degree of the pulse leading edge, indicating a positive correlation between these two parameters and circuit nonlinearity. Additionally, enhanced nonlinearity of the equivalent circuit leads to a decrease in output frequency; saturation current, saturation inductance, initial inductance, and capacitance per stage all show a negative correlation with the output microwave frequency.
The findings of this study clarify the relationship between key circuit parameters and the nonlinear characteristics as well as output frequency of GNLTL, thereby providing theoretical and simulation references for the design and performance analysis of gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission lines.
, Available online , doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250184
Abstract:
Background Purpose Methods Results Conclusions
The output switch is an essential part of the electromagnetic pulse simulator, and the switch gap directly affects the waveform characteristics of the electric field generated by the simulator. The single-polarity electromagnetic pulse simulator can adjust the switch gap by an external motor, but the bipolar electromagnetic pulse simulator cannot use the method due to the influence of mechanical structure and high voltage insulation.
This study aims to investigate a gas-driven method to achieve precise regulation of the switch gap in a bipolar electromagnetic pulse simulator.
Firstly, the basic structure of the gas remote adjustment system is proposed, which takes the cylinder as the actuator and connects with the outer cavity body through air pipe. Secondly, based on the structure, the mathematical model of the switch gap adjustment system is established. Thirdly, in view of the disadvantage of slow gas driving response, a switch gap control method combining trajectory planning and PIDA control method is proposed; Finally, the effectiveness of this method is verified by using Matlab simulation software.
Simulation results of the whole regulation process can be seen that when the switch gap is moved from 0 mm to the desired 30 mm, the process tracking error of the switch gap is less than 3.5 mm, and the final error is less than 0.5 mm.
This paper proposes a gas-driven switch gap adjustment method,which can achieve fast and accurate adjustment of the switch electrode gap, and a single adjustment can be within 200s, with an adjustment error of less than 0.5 mm. This method is of great significance for the engineering construction of electromagnetic pulse simulators.
, Available online , doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250238
Abstract:
Background Purpose Method Results Conclusions
Accurately simulating the gas-solid coupled heat transfer in high-temperature pebble-bed reactors is challenging due to the complex configuration involving tens of thousands of fuel pebbles. Conventional unresolved CFD-DEM methods are limited in accuracy by their requirement for coarse fluid grids, whereas fully resolved simulations are often prohibitively expensive.
This study aims to develop a semi-resolved function model suitable for fine fluid grids to enable accurate and efficient coupled thermal-fluid simulation in pebble beds.
A Gaussian kernel-based semi-resolved function was introduced to smooth physical properties around particles and compute interphase forces via weighted averaging. The key parameter, the dimensionless diffusion time, was optimized through comparison with Voronoi cell analysis. The model was implemented in an open-source CFD-DEM framework and validated against both a single-particle settling case and a fluidized bed experiment.
Voronoi cell analysis determined the optimal diffusion time to be 0.6. Exceeding this value over-smoothens the spatial distribution and obscures local bed features. The single particle settling case demonstrated excellent agreement with experimental terminal velocities under various viscosities. The fluidized bed simulation successfully captured porosity distribution and the relationship between fluid velocity and particle density, consistent with experimental data. Application to HTR-10 pebble bed thermal-hydraulics showed temperature distributions aligning well with the SA-VSOP benchmark.
The proposed semi-resolved function model effectively overcomes the grid size limitation of traditional CFD-DEM, accurately capturing interphase forces in sub-particle-scale grids. It provides a high-precision and computationally viable scheme for detailed thermal-fluid analysis in advanced pebble-bed reactors.
