Physics colloquium-“Lasers and the Path Towards Compact Particle Accelerators”

Franklin Dollar

University of California, Irvine – Department of Physics and Astronomy

Abstract: Through the use of high power, short pulse lasers, a technology which warranted the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics, a revolution is occurring in particle acceleration. Through the use of laser driven accelerators, it is possible to achieve efficient acceleration of particles and generate bright x-rays while simultaneously shrinking the size and cost of the accelerator itself, opening new applications which were not practical before. In this colloquium, we will discuss the science behind using light to accelerate particles, and some of the applications now possible. 

Biography: Professor Dollar is the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for the School of Physical Sciences and an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine. Franklin is a member of the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians. He has a B.S. in engineering physics from the University of California, Berkeley, then obtained an M.S.E. in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His research interests involve laser plasma interactions with ultrafast laser systems, performing high intensity laser experiments with near and above critical density plasmas for tabletop particle acceleration and the generation of soft and hard x-rays; and the simulation of such experiments using numerical modeling. He is involved with a variety of recruitment and retention efforts for underrepresented students in STEM fields, with a particular focus on American Indians.

THIS WILL BE AN ONLINE EVENT.

Topic: Physics Fall Colloquium

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

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