Can surface plasmons be used to build GeV gamma-ray lasers?

In summary: Extremely brilliant and collimated gamma rays require a very high energy photon. I don't think plasmons can do it.
  • #1
redirmigician
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I read a paper about coherent surface plasmon amplification by free electron pumping in an article a few days ago. It seems to work as some kind of free electron laser-like light source, and I wonder how high the energy of photons can go in this way. Also I read in another paper about "efficient" generation of "Extremely brilliant" and "collimated" MeV to GeV gamma rays in the plasma accelerator. I wonder if plasmonics can replace ionized gas to achieve this. There is indeed an idea of Plasmonic acceleration, right?

More information:
Creating surface plasmon polariton amplification using free-electron pumping to build a new kind of laser https://phys.org/news/2022-11-surface-plasmon-polariton-amplification-free-electron.html via @physorg_com

Extremely brilliant GeV γ-rays from a two-stage laser-plasma accelerator https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aaz7240#.Y26Z1wQ3Jf4.twitter

#OpenAcces chapter by @IntechOpen: Future Particle Accelerators https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/83039
 
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  • #2
redirmigician said:
I read a paper about coherent surface plasmon amplification by free electron pumping in an article a few days ago. It seems to work as some kind of free electron laser-like light source, and I wonder how high the energy of photons can go in this way. Also I read in another paper about "efficient" generation of "Extremely brilliant" and "collimated" MeV to GeV gamma rays in the plasma accelerator. I wonder if plasmonics can replace ionized gas to achieve this. There is indeed an idea of Plasmonic acceleration, right?

More information:
Creating surface plasmon polariton amplification using free-electron pumping to build a new kind of laser https://phys.org/news/2022-11-surface-plasmon-polariton-amplification-free-electron.html via @physorg_com

Extremely brilliant GeV γ-rays from a two-stage laser-plasma accelerator https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aaz7240#.Y26Z1wQ3Jf4.twitter

#OpenAcces chapter by @IntechOpen: Future Particle Accelerators https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/83039
Plasmons on metal surfaces, as far as I know, usually have energies in the range of 10 to 100 eV. That's more like visible light.
 
  • #3
The plasma frequency of metals is in the UV, not in the gamma ray range. GeV electrons can only produce incoherent bremsstrahlung.
 
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1. What are surface plasmons?

Surface plasmons are collective oscillations of electrons at the interface between a metal and a dielectric material. They are excited by light and can confine electromagnetic energy to sub-wavelength scales, making them useful for nanophotonics and optoelectronics applications.

2. How can surface plasmons be used to build GeV gamma-ray lasers?

Surface plasmons can be used to build GeV gamma-ray lasers by coupling them with free electron beams. When the energy of the free electron beam is matched with the energy of the surface plasmons, it can lead to the amplification of gamma-ray radiation through the process of stimulated emission.

3. What are the advantages of using surface plasmons for building GeV gamma-ray lasers?

Using surface plasmons for building GeV gamma-ray lasers has several advantages. These include the ability to confine and manipulate light at the nanoscale, which can lead to higher energy densities and more efficient energy conversion. Additionally, surface plasmons can be easily tuned and controlled, allowing for the development of versatile and customizable gamma-ray laser systems.

4. What are the challenges in using surface plasmons for building GeV gamma-ray lasers?

There are several challenges in using surface plasmons for building GeV gamma-ray lasers. One major challenge is achieving the necessary energy matching between the free electron beam and the surface plasmons. Another challenge is minimizing losses and maintaining the coherence of the emitted gamma-ray radiation. Additionally, the fabrication and integration of surface plasmon structures with free electron sources can be technically demanding.

5. What potential applications could arise from using surface plasmons for GeV gamma-ray lasers?

The use of surface plasmons for GeV gamma-ray lasers has potential applications in various fields, including high-energy physics, medical imaging and therapy, and materials science. It could also lead to the development of compact and efficient sources of high-energy radiation for industrial and scientific purposes.

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