Harmonic Generation from Relativistic Plasma Surfaces in Ultra-Steep Plasma Density Gradients

Harmonic generation in the limit of ultra-steep density gradients is studied experimentally. Observations demonstrate that while the efficient generation of high order harmonics from relativistic surfaces requires steep plasma density scale-lengths ($L_p/\lambda < 1$) the absolute efficiency of the harmonics declines for the steepest plasma density scale-length $L_p \to 0$, thus demonstrating that near-steplike density gradients can be achieved for interactions using high-contrast high-intensity laser pulses. Absolute photon yields are obtained using a calibrated detection system. The efficiency of harmonics reflected from the laser driven plasma surface via the Relativistic Oscillating Mirror (ROM) was estimated to be in the range of 10^{-4} - 10^{-6} of the laser pulse energy for photon energies ranging from 20-40 eV, with the best results being obtained for an intermediate density scale-length

Particle and x-ray generation by irradiation of gaseous and solid targets with a 100TW laser pulse, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 51

The recently commissioned 100 TW, TiSa laser system (2.5 J, 25 fs) at the University of Dusseldorf has been used to study various issues at relativistic intensities including interaction physics, electron and proton acceleration and higher surface harmonics. The plasma evolution during and after laser pulse propagation through underdense gaseous targets was investigated with an optical probe pulse. Under similar experimental conditions the electron beam was recorded with Lanex screens and an electron spectrometer. On solid thin foil targets the production of protons was studied using a magnetic spectrometer. Due to the high contrast of the laser pulse, foil targets as thin as 300 nm could be used. Higher harmonics from laser irradiated fused silica targets were observed

Repeated conservation threats across the Americas: High levels of blood and bone lead in the Andean Condor widen the problem to a continental scale

Wildlife lead exposure is an increasing conservation threat that is being widely investigated. However, for some areas of the world (e.g., South America) and certain species, research on this subject is still scarce or only local information is available. We analyzed the extent and intensity of lead exposure for a widely distributed threatened species, the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). We conducted the study at two different scales: 1) sampling of birds received for rehabilitation or necropsy in Argentina, and 2) bibliographic review and extensive survey considering exposure event for the species' distribution in South America. Wild condors from Argentina (n = 76) presented high lead levels consistent with both recent and previous exposure (up to 104 μg/dL blood level, mean 15.47 ± 21.21 μg/dL and up to 148.20 ppm bone level, mean 23.08 ± 31.39 ppm). In contrast, captive bred individuals -not exposed to lead contamination- had much lower lead levels (mean blood level 5.63 ± 3.08 μg/dL, and mean bone level 2.76 ± 3.06 ppm). Condors were exposed to lead throughout their entire range in continental Argentina, which represents almost sixty percent (>4000 km) of their geographical distribution. We also present evidence of lead exposure events in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Lead poisoning is a widespread major conservation threat for the Andean Condor, and probably other sympatric carnivores from South America. The high number and wide range of Andean Condors with lead values complement the results for the California Condor and other scavengers in North America suggesting lead poisoning is a continental threat. Urgent actions are needed to reduce this poison in the wild.Fil: Wiemeyer, Guillermo. Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. The Peregrine Fund; Estados Unidos. Fundación Cabure-í; ArgentinaFil: Pérez, Miguel A.. Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Torres Bianchini, Laura. Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Sampietro, Luciano. Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Bravo, Guillermo F.. Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Jacome, Norberto Luis. Fundación Bioandina Argentina; ArgentinaFil: Astore, Vanesa. Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Fundación Bioandina Argentina; ArgentinaFil: Lambertucci, Sergio Agustin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentin