Theoretical investigation of controlled generation of a dense attosecond relativistic electron bunch from the interaction of an ultrashort laser pulse with a nanofilm

For controllable generation of an isolated attosecond relativistic electron bunch [relativistic electron mirror (REM)] with nearly solid-state density, we propose using a solid nanofilm illuminated normally by an ultraintense femtosecond laser pulse having a sharp rising edge. With two-dimensional (2D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we show that, in spite of Coulomb forces, all of the electrons in the laser spot can be accelerated synchronously, and the REM keeps its surface charge density during evolution. We also developed a self-consistent 1D theory, which takes into account Coulomb forces, radiation of the electrons, and laser amplitude depletion. This theory allows us to predict the REM parameters and shows a good agreement with the 2D PIC simulations.open524

Flying mirror model for interaction of a super-intense nonadiabatic laser pulse with a thin plasma layer: Dynamics of electrons in a linearly polarized external field

Interaction of a high-power laser pulse having a sharp front with a thin plasma layer is considered. General one-dimensional numerical-analytical model is elaborated, in which the plasma layer is represented as a large collection of electron sheets, and a radiation reaction force is derived analytically. Using this model, trajectories of the electrons of the plasma layer are calculated numerically and compared with the electron trajectories obtained in particle-in-cell simulations, and a good agreement is found. Two simplified analytical models are considered, in which only one electron sheet is used, and it moves transversely and longitudinally in the fields of an ion sheet and a laser pulse (longitudinal displacements along the laser beam axis can be considerably larger than the laser wavelength). In the model I, a radiation reaction is included self-consistently, while in the model II a radiation reaction force is omitted. For the two models, analytical solutions for the dynamical parameters of the electron sheet in a linearly polarized laser pulse are derived and compared with the numerical solutions for the central electron sheet (positioned initially in the center) of the real plasma layer, which are calculated from the general numerical-analytical model. This comparison shows that the model II gives better description for the trajectory of the central electron sheet of the real plasma layer, while the model I gives more adequate description for a transverse momentum. Both models show that if the intensity of the laser pulse is high enough, even in the field with a constant amplitude, the electrons undergo not only the transverse oscillations with the period of the laser field, but also large (in comparison with the laser wavelength) longitudinal oscillations with the period, defined by the system parameters and initial conditions of particular oscillation.open282

Flying mirror model for interaction of a super-intense laser pulse with a thin plasma layer: Transparency and shaping of linearly polarized laser pulses

A self-consistent one-dimensional (1D) flying mirror model is developed for description of an interaction of an ultra-intense laser pulse with a thin plasma layer (foil). In this model, electrons of the foil can have large longitudinal displacements and relativistic longitudinal momenta. An approximate analytical solution for a transmitted field is derived. Transmittance of the foil shows not only a nonlinear dependence on the amplitude of the incident laser pulse, but also time dependence and shape dependence in the high-transparency regime. The results are compared with particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations and a good agreement is ascertained. Shaping of incident laser pulses using the flying mirror model is also considered. It can be used either for removing a prepulse or for reducing the length of a short laser pulse. The parameters of the system for effective shaping are specified. Predictions of the flying mirror model for shaping are compared with the 1D PIC simulations, showing good agreement.open

Numerical Modelling of Multi-Wave Coherent Radiation of Relativistic Electron Flows

Available from VNTIC / VNTIC - Scientific & Technical Information Centre of RussiaSIGLERURussian Federatio

Reference frequencies comb generation for microwave photonics ADC with signal spectral-interval estimation

Formation of a reference frequency comb in a circuit comprising a highly stable continuous laser and an amplitude Mach- Zehnder modulator with two independent RF inputs working with large modulation index for use in a high-speed microwave photonics ADC with spectral-interval estimation is investigated by numerical simulation. In such ADCs, the entire spectrum of the input signal is divided by microwave photonics elements into spectral intervals, each of which uses a microwave photonics converter to transform the signal to an intermediate frequency (for each part of the spectrum of the microwave input signal, its own reference frequency is used for heterodyning). The requirements for a multimode source of optical reference frequencies for high-speed microwave photonics ADC are formulated. To study the characteristics of such a source, numerical modeling is carried out. It is shown that the frequency noise of the laser can be partially suppressed due to their compensation when converted to an intermediate frequency. Experimental study of the reference frequency comb generator layout showed a good agreement of the obtained characteristics with the results of numerical simulation

Delayed colorectal cancer care during covid-19 pandemic (decor-19). Global perspective from an international survey

Background The widespread nature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been unprecedented. We sought to analyze its global impact with a survey on colorectal cancer (CRC) care during the pandemic. Methods The impact of COVID-19 on preoperative assessment, elective surgery, and postoperative management of CRC patients was explored by a 35-item survey, which was distributed worldwide to members of surgical societies with an interest in CRC care. Respondents were divided into two comparator groups: 1) ‘delay’ group: CRC care affected by the pandemic; 2) ‘no delay’ group: unaltered CRC practice. Results A total of 1,051 respondents from 84 countries completed the survey. No substantial differences in demographics were found between the ‘delay’ (745, 70.9%) and ‘no delay’ (306, 29.1%) groups. Suspension of multidisciplinary team meetings, staff members quarantined or relocated to COVID-19 units, units fully dedicated to COVID-19 care, personal protective equipment not readily available were factors significantly associated to delays in endoscopy, radiology, surgery, histopathology and prolonged chemoradiation therapy-to-surgery intervals. In the ‘delay’ group, 48.9% of respondents reported a change in the initial surgical plan and 26.3% reported a shift from elective to urgent operations. Recovery of CRC care was associated with the status of the outbreak. Practicing in COVID-free units, no change in operative slots and staff members not relocated to COVID-19 units were statistically associated with unaltered CRC care in the ‘no delay’ group, while the geographical distribution was not. Conclusions Global changes in diagnostic and therapeutic CRC practices were evident. Changes were associated with differences in health-care delivery systems, hospital’s preparedness, resources availability, and local COVID-19 prevalence rather than geographical factors. Strategic planning is required to optimize CRC care