Peter-Viktor Nickles

Prof. Dr. Peter-Viktor Nickles was affiliated with the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI). His work focuses on plasma physics, laser technology, and ultrafast dynamics in high-intensity laser-matter interactions. Key areas include proton acceleration via radiation pressure, X-ray source optimization, and the dynamics of laser-induced fields in thin foils. His research utilizes advanced techniques like streak deflectometry and polycapillary lenses to study phenomena such as electron transport in nanowires and ion bunch post-acceleration. Notable contributions include scaling laws for energetic protons and coherence properties of soft X-ray lasers. He has collaborated extensively with institutions globally, though he is no longer employed at MBI.

Research highlights include:

• Development of optimized X-ray sources using laser-plasma interactions
• Investigation of proton acceleration mechanisms using petawatt laser pulses
• Analysis of ultrafast plasma dynamics via complementary imaging techniques

Publications span journals like Physics of Plasmas, Applied Physics B, and High Energy Density Physics, reflecting interdisciplinary work at the intersection of optics, plasma physics, and nuclear science.