Bachelor and Master Theses

We are an international, collaborative and scientifically and socially progressive research group. Our research takes place at the interface of laser, plasma and accelerator physics. A master thesis (physics, or medical physics) in our group is typically centred on exploiting, and contributing to, experimental, theoretical and simulation-based R&D in our high-power, high intensity laser plasma laboratory. We follow our route map towards electron and photon pulses of highest brightness, and applications such as free-electron-lasers and novel high energy physics and quantum electro dynamics experiments. Work will be embedded in an international team and collaborations.

The goal for any master thesis is not only that it contributes to novel scientific experiments, but also that it can produce high calibre outputs that are to be published in scientific journals, either/or as standalone publication or as part of wider group publications.

It is highly recommended for you as an interested and enthusiastic student to take the module “specialization” with the topic “laser plasma physics”. Please feel encouraged to get in touch with Prof. Hidding and team to discuss opportunities early in your decision making. The master thesis project may then be tailored to ensure an optimal fit to student and group interests, balance between experimental/theoretical/simulation-based work, integration into collaborative campaigns, contributions to external experiments etc. There are also opportunities for subsequent PhD projects within the group.

Get in touch with Prof. Hidding and Dr. habil Cerchez for discussion on potential master thesis topics and arrangements.

The following topics are a selection of currently identified master thesis topics:

Shadowgraphy: snapshots of laser plasma wakefield acceleration

Ultrashort laser pulses undergo refraction in plasma wave density structures and “cast shadows” that can be exploited to visualize laser plasma wakefield acceleration in action. This powerful tool will be implemented at our Arcturus multi-100 TW class high-power laser to resolve details of wave formation, propagation and evolution and novel high-brightness electron beam injection methods.

High power laser pulse diagnostics and optimization

The ultrashort laser pulses that are used to excite plasma waves require high precision diagnostics in terms of pulse energy, duration, power, focus intensity, intensity profile, wavefront homogeneity etc. Various diagnostics such as wavefront sensors, adaptive optics etc. will be implemented and developed as crucial support for the understanding and optimization of laser-plasma acceleration experiments.

Further reading: Nonlinear optics and Ultrafast lasers, Lecture Dr. M. Cerchez

Gas-plasma target design

The central building block of laser-plasma accelerator experiments is a gas target, which is then converted into a plasma by the leading edge of an incoming laser pulse via tunneling ionization. The gas density profile determines the plasma accelerator gradients and provides the backbone for any plasma wakefield acceleration. This project aims at the development and metrology of suitable gas targets, provided for example either by supersonic gas jets or constant flow gas cells.

Laser-matter interaction at the tunnel ionization threshold

Plasma can be exploited for acceleration and high brightness beam generation, but also as diagnostics. Tunneling ionization of gases by the electric fields of laser pulses at intensities just above the tunneling ionization threshold produce relatively cold plasmas within attoseconds. In turn, when they recombine on much longer timescales, they emit highly characteristic afterglow signals. This link can be exploited to realize high precision spatiotemporal synchronization and alignment of beams, and opens myriad of diagnostic opportunities during laser-particle beam-gas-plasma interaction.