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Fundamental physics, colliders and quantum electro dynamics

We pursue the vision of combining high-power, ultrahigh intensity laser pulses with ultrabright electron beams, and ultrabright X-ray pulses derived from these. We push for this vision at suitable linac-based facilities such as Stanford’s SLAC FACET facility, where the primary electron beam is generated by large radiofrequency cavity accelerators, as well as laser-based facilities such as in-house at HHU, where the primary electron beam is generated from compact laser-driven wakefield acceleration. The addition and development of the latter may allow previously practically impossible experimental scenarios to be realized, such as synchronized collision of ultrabright and ultrashort pulses of electrons, X-rays and lasers. For example, if a compact hard X-FEL can be realized based on hybrid LWFA-PWFA and plasma photocathodes, the step to built two, or more, co-located, is not a giant one. Co-located interaction of X-FEL pulses is a dream that is today considered to be outwith reach for conventional linac-based X-FELs because it is prohibitive with regard to cost and footprint. If you can shrink their size and cost, this dream may become true. Hybrid solutions with linac-based X-FELs interacting with ultrabright beams from hybrid plasma wakefield accelerators are also alternatives considered.    

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