Sub-picosecond dynamics during relativistic laser-plasma interaction

In this dissertation, we explore two major themes related to intense laser-matter interaction. Firstly, we present a comprehensive characterization of the intense THz light and charged particle emission from the rear surface of thin targets during the interaction with ultrashort laser pulses. Secondly, we report the first direct visualization of the Coulomb field of relativistic electron bunches from laser-thin solid interactions on a sub-picosecond timescale. We introduce a novel non-destructive single-shot detection scheme based on the electrooptic principle. Our time-resolved measurements reveal a complex temporal structure with multiple electron bunches propagating at nearly the speed of light. Moreover, our observations confirm the contraction of the electric field of the relativistic electron bunches under the Lorentz transformation. Further, we demonstrate the spatiotemporal evolution of the Coulomb field wavefronts as the electron bunches propagate away from the target. This work paves the way for non-invasive measurements of fast dynamics of charged particles on sub-picosecond timescales.