Major Zsuzsanna, Eisenbarth Udo, Zielbauer Bernhard, Brabetz Christian, Ohland Jonas, Zobus Yannik, Roeder Simon, Reemts Dirk, Kunzer Sabine, Götte Stefan, Neidherr Dennis, Hornung Johannes, Kewes Philipp, Schumacher Dennis, Beck Dietrich, Hesselbach Philipp, Malki Marcus, Neumayer Paul, Weyrich Karin, Tauschwitz Andreas, Bagnoud Vincent
Author Affiliations
Helmholtz-Institut JenaGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbHGSI Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung GmbHGoethe-Universität Frankfurt am MainTechnische Universität Darmstadtshow less
Abstract
The high-energy/high-intensity laser facility PHELIX of the GSI Helmholtzzentrum f ̈ur Schwerionenforschung in
Darmstadt, Germany, has been in operation since 2008. Here, we review the current system performance, which is
the result of continuous development and further improvement. Through its versatile frontend architecture, PHELIX can
be operated in both long and short pulse modes, corresponding to ns pulses with up to 1 kJ pulse energy and sub-ps,
200 J pulses, respectively. In the short-pulse mode, the excellent temporal contrast and the control over the wavefront
make PHELIX an ideal driver for secondary sources of high-energy ions, neutrons, electrons, and X-rays. The long-pulse
mode is mainly used for plasma heating, which can then be probed by the heavy-ion beam of the linear accelerator of
GSI. In addition, PHELIX can now be used to generate X-rays for studying exotic states of matter created by heavy-ion
heating using the ion beam of the heavy-ion synchrotron of GSI.