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Project List » Advanced high power laser parameters control for optimum beam time delivery at ELI-NP

Advanced high power laser parameters control for optimum beam time delivery at ELI-NP
www.nipne.ro/proiecte/pn4/16-projects.html

Acronym: OptiLas
Contracting Authority: IFA
Number / Date of the contract: ELI-RO/DEZ/2025_001 / 2025-10-30
Program: PN-IV-P5.9/Subprogramul 5.9.1
Project Manager: Dr. Ioan Dancus
Partners: Universitatea Nationalt de Stiinta si Tehnologie Politehnica Bucuresti (UNSTPB)
Starting date / finishing date: 2025-10-30 / 2027-12-31
Project value: 19.000.000 RON

Abstract: Project Context: The ELI-NP Research Infrastructure
Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP), a key pillar of the pan-European ELI-ERIC consortium, is dedicated to advancing nuclear physics research using extreme light sources. The facility's core infrastructure includes a unique 2 x 10 Petawatt (PW) High-Power Laser System (HPLS) and a high-intensity, quasi-monochromatic gamma beam system. The HPLS is fully operational, having achieved a world-record 10 PW power level in 2019 and, as of 2023, is the first facility to deliver 10 PW pulses for user experiments. Commissioning at 100 Terawatt (TW) and 1 PW was completed in 2022, enabling the first call for users. Conversely, the gamma beam system's implementation is projected for 2026, necessitating a focused effort on maximizing the scientific output of the operational HPLS.

Rationale for Strategic Enhancement
The original scientific and technical framework for ELI-NP, detailed in the 2011 White Book and 2015 Technical Design Reports (TDRs), predates significant recent advancements in laser and diagnostic technologies. To maintain its global leadership and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving field, ELI-NP requires continuous technological upgrades. This proposal outlines a strategic initiative to enhance the infrastructure's performance, ensuring it remains at the forefront of extreme light science.

Objectives:
Primary Objective and Strategic Impact

The central objective of this project is to implement new capabilities for the stabilization, control, and optimization of the HPLS parameters in experiments. Achieving this goal will directly increase the facility's scientific productivity, enhance its attractiveness to the international user community, and provide a state-of-the-art tool for ultra-high intensity experiments. This will also ensure an improvement of the environment for training students and early-career researchers.

This objective will be realized through a synergistic effort focused on two primary development axes, addressing critical needs identified during initial operations:
1. Advanced Diagnostics and Intelligent Control: This involves the development and implementation of high-fidelity laser pulse diagnostics proximate to the target interaction point. This system will utilize intelligent algorithms to actively manage and optimize laser parameters in real-time.
2. Environmental and Power Grid Stabilization: This axis focuses on mitigating external perturbations by optimizing the environmental conditions (e.g., thermal, humidity and air quality) within the laser and experimental areas. It also includes measures to increase the stability and reliability of the electrical power supplied to critical systems.
These two axes will be developed synergistically. The intelligent control system will integrate data from both laser parameter diagnostics and environmental sensors, creating a comprehensive feedback loop. This integrated approach is designed to achieve superior long-term stability, minimize performance drift, and ultimately enable more complex and reproducible scientific experiments.

THE STAGES OF THE PROJECT AND DELIVERY DATES

RESULTS
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
RESEARCH TEAM

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