GAMMALAS · Towards gamma-ray lasers via super-radiance in a Bose-Einstein condensate of 135mCs isomers

Towards gamma-ray lasers via super-radiance in a Bose-Einstein condensate of 135mCs isomers

The generation of coherent gamma photons, which would constitute the building block of a gamma-ray laser, has been an active field of research since the demonstration of the first lasers. In fact, the possibility of producing coherent gamma photons would represent a milestone in physics and science, and a game-changer in technology, with long-term impact on society and applications from energy storage to healthcare. However, the production of coherent gamma photons has been hindered by fundamental mechanisms: 1) Accumulation of sufficient sources (e.g. excited nuclei); 2) Reduction of their emission linewidth, which otherwise prevents any possible increase in the number of photons. In addition, the methods proposed thus far are not achievable with the available technology, require unrealistic nuclear densities, or do not solve the problem of the emission linewidth. The GAMMALAS objectives are: to identify a feasible approach for the generation of coherent gamma photons; to build a facility for the proof-of-concept demonstration of the approach; and to train a highly specialised PDRA (the Fellow) in a European context, thus maximising the Fellows’s perspectives for future career. GAMMALAS has successfully identified and theoretically demonstrated a suitable strategy for producing coherent gamma photons, achievable with current technologies. GAMMALAS has also designed, implemented and tested a facility for the experimental demonstration of the controlled production of coherent gamma-rays. The coherent gamma-ray technology will have a dramatic impact in physics and its applications. For example, novel approaches for nuclear spectroscopy and for investigating the nuclear shape, as well as for tracing of dangerous, explosive or radioactive isotopes can be envisaged. Coherent gamma-rays will also provide new tools for imaging with unprecedented spatial resolution, as well as more precise and effective radiotherapy approaches in oncology and stereotactic surgery for brain tumours. Finally, on-demand coherent gamma photons will have a dramatic impact on energy storage, allowing storing and retrieving energy from isomeric nuclei. This has the potential to revolutionise the batteries technology, with an increase of energy density of several orders of magnitude.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union