EPAC is capable of producing electron beams up to GeV energies lasting for femtoseconds. This extremely short pulse will enable the study of faster chemical processes than is possible using conventional technology.
Pulse radiolysis is a technique where a pulsed beam of electrons is passed through a sample to generate free radicals.
Simultaneously, a probe (which may be another laser) is used to monitor changes in the characteristics (often optical) of the sample (such as Raman scattering, optical absorption, electrical conductivity, NMR, stroboscopic methods, etc.).
Understanding of radiation chemistry drives development in several fields including chemistry, medical radiotherapy and the nuclear industry.
Using laser-plasma acceleration, EPAC will be capable of producing electron beams up to GeV energies lasting femtoseconds. This extremely short pulse will enable study of faster chemical processes than is possible using conventional technology.