Alexander Thomas

Dr. Alexander Thomas is a Professor in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering, and a cross-appointed Professor in Applied Physics at the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. His research at the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS) focuses on computational and experimental laser-plasma interaction physics, particularly laser wakefield acceleration of electrons for compact particle accelerators.

His work investigates high-intensity laser-plasma interactions (up to 10²² W/cm²) to study relativistic electron dynamics, radiation generation, and quantum effects. He develops advanced computational models like the FARSIGHT Vlasov-Poisson code for non-equilibrium plasma physics, relevant to inertial confinement fusion and fast ignition scenarios. Current projects include optimizing laser-driven proton beams, characterizing photon-photon scattering, and advancing the ZEUS laser facility.

Key trends in his recent publications include high-intensity laser wakefield acceleration, plasma-based photon acceleration to extreme ultraviolet, magnetic field generation in laser-solid interactions, and quantum electrodynamics (QED) studies. His research leverages facilities like the Hercules 300 TW laser and ZEUS, with applications in radiography, astrophysics, and radiation reaction studies.