Jessica Shaw

Dr. Jessica Shaw is a Researcher at the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics. She holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from UCLA, specializing in laser-plasma interactions. Her research focuses on experimental short-pulse laser-plasma interactions, including plasma-based Raman amplification, laser wakefield acceleration physics, and applications of accelerator-produced beams.

• Education: M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (UCLA)

Her work emphasizes advancing ultrafast laser technologies for high-energy-density physics. Key areas include programmable flying focus pulses, dephasingless laser wakefield acceleration, and x-ray source development using picosecond lasers. Recent studies explore electron beam generation, plasma channel formation, and parameter optimization for direct laser acceleration.

Her research leverages facilities like OMEGA EP and NSF OPAL, addressing challenges in plasma dynamics and beam diagnostics. Contributions include breakthroughs in x-ray radiography techniques and bubble-regime wakefield control. Current efforts aim to achieve single-stage TeV-class electron beams and enhance plasma-based laser systems.

Notable projects involve supersonic gas-jet nozzle validation, ion beam acceleration, and the role of focusing geometry in electron dynamics. Her work bridges fundamental plasma physics with applied technologies for high-energy physics and inertial confinement fusion diagnostics.