Work

Dual-picosecond laser-driven generation of MV/m giant electromagnetic pulses

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The mechanisms governing generation and amplification of laser-driven electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) in the picosecond (ps) regime remain insufficiently understood. Here, we present a unified theoretical and experimental framework that demonstrates dual-picosecond laser irradiation of solid targets can synergistically enhance EMP emission. By integrating particle-in-cell simulations with three-dimensional electromagnetic modeling, we reveal that the increasing laser focal power density amplifies hot electron emission and strengthens neutralization currents, leading to giant EMP radiations. Experimentally, we validate these predictions at the XG-III and SG-II U picosecond petawatt laser facilities, achieving a record-breaking EMP field strength of 3.08 MV/m – substantially exceeding previously reported values from ps-laser–solid interactions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that EMP characteristics can be precisely tuned via laser and target parameters, enabling controllable, high-field electromagnetic sources. Our findings provide deep insight into the physics of laser-driven EMP amplification and establish a robust platform for developing next-generation high-intensity electromagnetic emitters.

Source: High Power Laser Science and Engineering

DOI: 10.1017/hpl.2026.10139