Laser Plasma Interactions

This lecture series explores the interaction of high power lasers with matter, leading to the creation of hot plasmas for studying extreme conditions in the laboratory. It covers parameters of laser-generated plasmas, large scale laser facilities, and new applications in laboratory astrophysics, planetary science, and particle acceleration. The evolving laser technology opens new frontiers in quantum electrodynamics and high field fundamental physics, with upcoming ultra high power laser facilities. The first lecture introduces laser target interaction and evolution, followed by discussions on light propagation, laser energy absorption in plasmas, and the production of high energy ion beams.