Laser-plasma particle acceleration sits at the cutting edge of a rapidly evolving field known as nuclear photonics, which investigates photon-induced phenomena at the nuclear-physical energy scale. This interdisciplinary area has seen remarkable growth due to recent advancements in high-power laser technology, a development recognized by the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics. Central to this field is the use of state-of-the-art high-power laser systems to generate brilliant particle beams, conduct fundamental research in nuclear physics through photonuclear reactions, and pioneer new techniques and methods for their practical application.
The IRTG Lecture Week 2026 is a school organized as part of IRTG 2891 Nuclear Photonics, a collaboration between ELI-NP, the National University for Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, and TU Darmstadt. The aim of this school is to provide students and early career researchers with a solid foundation in nuclear physics, laser technology, and laser-plasma interactions, from a series of lectures delivered by established researchers in the field. Students, in particular those who are part of IRTG 2891 Nuclear Photonics, are also strongly encouraged to present and discuss their work.
Invited lecturers:
Aaron Alejo (Universidade de Santiago de Compostela)
Spencer Jolly (Université libre de Bruxelles)
Frédéric Perez (LULI, CNRS)
Patrick Regan (University of Surrey)