Abstract
Coherent, Short X-ray pulses are demanded in material science and biology for the study of micro-structures. Currently, large-sized free-electron lasers are used; however, the available beam lines are limited because of the large construction cost. Here we review a novel method to downsize the system as well as providing fully (spatially and temporally) coherent pulses. The method is based on the reflection of coherent laser light by a relativistically moving mirror (flying mirror). Due to the double Doppler effect, the reflected pulses are upshifted in frequency and compressed in time. Such mirrors are formed when an intense short laser pulse excites a strongly nonlinear plasma wave in tenuous plasma. Theory, proof-of-principle, experiments, and possible applications are addressed.
Highlights
A mirror moving at very high speed and the reflection from such a mirror were discussed by Einstein in this historical paper in 1905 [1], as a thought experiment at that time
We review the relativistic flying mirrors (RFMs) and the experimental implementation of such mirrors including the possible applications of mirrors [2]
They observed up to 238th harmonic of the initial laser frequency where the spectrum decays with a power law as expected by the theory
Summary
A mirror moving at very high speed and the reflection from such a mirror were discussed by Einstein in this historical paper in 1905 [1], as a thought experiment at that time. Researchers did not know how to realize fast moving mirrors experimentally, the problem of relativistic reflection attracted many researchers for a long time. The realization of such relativistically fast moving mirrors has become feasible thanks to the progress of knowledge and technology. We review the RFMs and the experimental implementation of such mirrors including the possible applications of mirrors [2].
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