Eric C. Galtier

Bio

I am interested in the study of High Energy Density systems, more precisely the creation, control and diagnosis of plasmas found in astrophysical bodies (e.g. the Sun), when a high-intensity laser interacts with matter, and in magnetic and laser-driven fusion processes. While I have implemented spectroscopic methods to explore the detailed atomic physics of these exciting state of matter, I have also been pursuing the development of high resolution X-ray imaging methods as a new type of diagnostic to study the dynamics of these plasmas on femtosecond time-scale and few hundred nanometer spatial-scale.

At the Sorbonne University Pierre and Marie Curie, I have been introduced to the fusion sciences, being part of such first dedicated masters program in France. I learned about magnetic fusion (e.g. tokamak), laser-driven fusion through inertial confinement (e.g. direct and indirect drive) and all the relevant existing and to-be-developed technology dedicated to fusion and its control for future design of power plants. During my PhD, I joined an international effort to perform the first fundamental research on the soft X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) FLASH, in Hamburg. I participated in the first spectroscopic studies of high-intensity FEL interaction with solid aluminum, revealing complex atomic physics pattern, not seen in typical optical laser/matter interaction. The novelty of such interaction lead my to join the Linac Coherent Light Source at SLAC, to continue this research with harder X-rays, and further explore its connection with fusion sciences.