Prof. Dr. Alexander Pukhov

Profile

Academic positionAssociate Professor, Senior Lecturer, Reader
Research fieldsQuantum Optics,Plasma Physics
KeywordsRelativistic laser-plasma, High performance parallel computing, Short pulse lasers

Current contact address

CountryGermany
CityDüsseldorf
InstitutionHeinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
InstituteInstitut für Theoretische Physik II

Host during sponsorship

Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz SpatschekInstitut für Theoretische Physik II, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf
Start of initial sponsorship01/11/2001

Programme(s)

2001Sofja Kovalevskaja Award Programme

Nominator's project description

Dr. Alexander Pukhov receives his award for pioneering work in understanding basic mechanisms of relativistic laser-plasma-interaction. He has developed a three-dimensional Particle-in-Cell numerical code which allows to model in full geometry experiments with high-power-lasers. Using this method, relativistic self-focussing of light in plasma channels and acceleration of electrons up to GeV energies coul be predicted. The wakefield acceleration phenomenon is expected to play an important role in future developments of laser-generated plasmas. The purpose of the project at Düsseldorf University is to investigate such effects with applications to Fast Ignition of Inertial Fusion Targets and to develop novel schemes of short pulse amplication in plasma.