Ultrafast imaging for uncovering laser–material interaction dynamics

The physical mechanism of the dynamics in laser–material interaction has been an important research area. In addition to theoretical analysis, direct imaging-based observation of ultrafast dynamic processes is an important approach to understand many fundamental issues in laser–material interaction such as inertial confinement fusion (ICF), laser accelerator construction, and advanced laser production. In this review, the principles and applications of three types of commonly used ultrafast imaging methods are introduced, including the pump–probe, X-ray diagnosis, and single-shot optical burst imaging. We focus on the technical features such as the spatial and temporal resolution for each technique, and present several conventional applications.