Fundamental physics opportunities with multi-petawatt- and multi-megaJoule-class facilities

Abstract

In this invited paper, I will touch on some highlights from my research career in the Clarendon Laboratory and in the Central Laser Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, obtained working in partnership with many outstanding international collaborators. These fall under the three broad themes. The first is novel laser-plasma interactions. The second theme is that of extreme field physics using multi-petawatt laser facilities. The third theme is that of inertial fusion studies. All of these studies indicate that an international, dual-use, 20-MJ Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)/Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) facility, with the first 2-MJ at high repetition rate supplying single-shot high energy amplifiers, will open many new exciting avenues for both fundamental physics and high energy density science in the decades ahead.