LARGE SCIENTIFIC PROJECT ELI for novel quantum optics and structured light studies which receive strong interest from French researchers. The attosecond secondary sources are based on advanced techniques for high-order harmonic generation( HHG). Optically ionised gases serve the production of attosecond pulses in five beamlines, based on concepts and characterisation techniques that were developed by French Nobel Laureates Anne L’ Huillier and Pierre Agostini. Attolabs in CEA-LIDYL( Saclay) and CELIA( Bordeaux) have shared research interest with ELI. Oscillating surface plasmas are also exploited for HHG driven by the high intensity SYLOS and HF PW lasers. This field was pioneered by researchers from CEA-LIDYL( Saclay) and LOA( Palaiseau), who helped design and implement dedicated beamlines in collaboration with French photonics companies. ELI ALPS also showcases two laser-plasma electron accelerators driven by SYLOS and HF PW lasers for spectroscopic and structural studies, plasma physics or radiobiology. The technology contained in these beamlines was also pioneered by researchers from LOA( Palaiseau).
ELI Beamlines
The ELI Beamlines Facility uniquely combines high pulse energy with high repetition rate performance, enabling users to explore light – matter interactions in the relativistic and ultra-relativistic regimes while sustaining unprecedented operational repetition rates. The laser systems are designed to deliver intensities on target as high as 10 ²³ W / cm ² at 1 shot per minute, about 10 ²² W / cm ² at 10 Hz, and more than 5 × 10 ¹ ⁸ W / cm ² at 1 kHz. These state-of-the-art capabilities support pioneering research in plasma physics, inertial fusion, strong-field physics, and laboratory astrophysics, attracting a diverse international user community. Experiments on nonlinear quantum electrodynamics( QED), positron and muon production, high-brightness gamma-ray beam generation, and planetary science are currently being conducted or are planned. Laser-driven particle accelerators have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their compactness, versatility, and innovative
Figure 3. ELI-NP: Facility Layout. beam properties. This has driven the development of dedicated beamlines at ELI Beamlines, where users can exploit unique source parameters such as ultrashort bunch duration and ultrahigh dose rates from laser-driven ion and electron beams, as well as broadband radiation sources spanning from XUV to gamma rays. These features open new opportunities across materials science, atomic, molecular and optical( AMO) physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine, as well as pump – probe studies in high-energy-density physics. Ongoing user experiments also include probing ultrafast atomic relaxation dynamics, irradiation studies on cancer cells, simulation of space radiation effects for electronics testing, and non-destructive surface analysis techniques for cultural heritage applications. Furthermore, the facility offers the combined use of optical, X-ray, and particle beams for advanced studies in inertial confinement fusion and shock physics. This is enabled by a unique kJ-class nanosecond laser operating at an unprecedented repetition rate of approximately 1 shot per minute, featuring temporal pulse shaping capabilities and selectable narrow- or broadband operation, in
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