Holly Huddleston - Student Profile
Current research project
Several interesting processes occur when an extremely intense laser pulse interacts with matter. One observation is High-Order Harmonic Generation (HHG), related to the formation of ultra-short attosecond (10^-18s) pulses. HHG is viewed as a prerequisite to further research in attosecond science, acting as a gateway to achieving impressive electric field intensities far beyond the abilities of conventional laser technology. Therefore, promoting the understanding of HHG is essential for advancing ultrafast science.
My PhD research will combine numerical and experimental work, initially focusing on the effects of mathematical inaccuracies in the modelling of simulations on the spatial profiles of generated harmonics. Simulations are a crucial first step for deciding what parameters optimise this generation process. I will also be conducting experimental work on some of the most intense lasers in the world, including the JETI200 laser at the Helmholtz Institute in Germany.
Biography
In 2022, I graduated with 1st class honours in Theoretical Physics at QUB. I became interested in laser physics after my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which has a very low survival rate. However, medical applications of ongoing research into intense laser pulses give hope that treatments can soon be advanced.
I completed a summer project in 2020, where I was introduced to HHG for the first time. I was impressed by the extensive list of possible applications and the possibility of probing molecular dynamics. My final year project focused theoretical framework of harmonic generation, so I feel very fortunate to work on a project that balances application with the underlying mathematics.
I am a keen musician in my spare time and play piano in the Irish Video Game Orchestra.
Research interest
- High Order Harmonic Generation from Laser-Solid Interactions
- Applications of attosecond pulses
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