Advances in laser technology have allowed us to explore physical processes on unprecedented time and spatial scales. As well as using laser technology to explore materials at a variety of scales, laser technology is also promising as a way of accelerating charged particles. This is being developed as part of the Alpha-X project in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde.

However, to interpret experimental data and to make new predictions, theoretical models rely on an understanding of the electromagnetic field in the laser pulse which must incorporate the known laws of physics that are relevant at the scale being considered. Eventually, the scales will be so small that quantum effects will need to be included.

In a recent publication, also highlighted in the latest issue of Euro Physics News Prof. Robin Tucker in Lancaster Physics’ Mathematical Physics group have made a crucial step forward in describing some of the quantum effects that will need to be included in future models. “People talk about single photons as ‘bullets of light’, however these quantised laser pulses can be thought of as ‘molecules of light’ containing many photons.”

Future experimental studies at nano-scales will require a quantum description to properly interpret observations and yield practical applications. This new description may find a use in understanding how to transfer quantum information, and for making models of how very short pulses of laser light interact with quantum matter and fabricated structures at nano-scales and below.

Reference:

Goto, Tucker and Walton (2016) J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 49, 265203, doi: 10.1088/1751-8113/49/26/265203 [Read Here]