First Ultrahigh Intensity Laser-Matter Interactions Experiments with the 4PW Laser at the Center for Relativistic Laser Science

At the Center for Relativistic Laser Science (CoReLS) we have recently commissioned a 4 PW laser system that can focus in various geometries, reaching peak intensities of up to 10²³W/cm². We are establishing a broad scientific program centering on exploring quantum effects at ultrahigh intensities, the development of laser particle and photon sources and the development of the required ultrahigh intensity laser technology.

I will review the status of the program, describing the laser and experimental system and present first results from particle acceleration and ultrahigh intensity experiments including wakefield acceleration and advanced ion acceleration. I will discuss planned experiments on radiation reactions, quantum effects in strong classical potentials and non-linear Compton scattering and outline future plans and opportunities for collaborations and joined experiments.