Relativistic generation of isolated attosecond pulses: a different route to extreme intensity

Isolated attosecond pulses and electron bunches can be efficiently generated in the interaction of intense lasers with plasma in the confined volume of the λ3 regime. Scaling with intensity is found to improve pulse brevity and focusability greatly while the efficiency of the attosecond pulse generation continues to remain high. Practical consideration of the tools needed to generate such pulses indicates that such interactions are surprisingly accessible. We mention some introductory experiments whereby we may verify the theoretical predictions of this new class of attosecond pulses. This technique may enable us to reach the Schwinger intensity 1029 W cm−2.