Browse Physics

A major source of energy loss in laser-driven fusion could be remedied with the use of optical elements called zooming-phase plates.

A new model shows that the nonuniform heating of ions in the solar wind may be explained by resonant interactions with a particular type of plasma wave.

Lasers produce a beam of neutrons intense enough for practical experiments, extending the reach of neutron sources to small-scale laboratories.

Relativistic electrons passing through a laser-produced plasma map out magnetic fields that move at nearly the speed of light.

Confirmation that interacting magnetic plasma waves can generate “daughter” waves of a higher frequency supports the current picture of how turbulence leads to heat in astrophysical plasma.

Simulations show that controlled beating of multiple laser frequencies optimizes energy delivery to inertial fusion targets.

A proposed explanation for puzzling features on the Moon involving small-scale magnetic fields has now been verified with a scaled-down version in the lab.

A laboratory analog of solar plasma offers a new tool in the search for the origin of coronal heating.

Experimental measurements with an x-ray laser test models of how ions behave in plasmas, like those found in stars and laser fusion research.

Focusing a beam of light on a slit reveals details of its polarization with surprising sensitivity.