Selected papers from the Second International Symposium on Laser-Driven Relativistic Plasmas Applied to Science, Industry and Medicine, which was held at the Kansai Photon Science Institute of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency--P. xii.

These Proceedings are devoted to the studies of intense laser-plasma interactions and its applications, especially in medicine, such as hadron therapy. They address the laser driven accelerators of charged particles and the laser driven coherent and incoherent x-ray sources. In relation to quantum field physics and astrophysics, special attention is paid to the generation of super intense electromagnetic waves and super strong static magnetic fields in high power laser-matter interactions.

Laser-driven proton beams are still in their infancy but already have some outstanding attributes compared to those produced in conventional accelerators. One such attribute is the typically low beam emittance. This allows excellent resolution in imaging applications like proton radiography. This thesis describes a novel imaging technique - the proton streak camera - that the author developed and first used to measure both the spatial and temporal evolution of ultra-strong electrical fields in laser-driven plasmas. Such investigations are of paramount importance for the understanding of laser-plasma interactions and, thus, for optimization of laser-driven particle acceleration. In particular, the present work investigated micrometer-sized spherical targets after laser irradiation. The confined geometry of plasmas and fields was found to influence the kinetic energy and spatial distribution of accelerated ions. This could be shown both in experimental radiography images and and in numerical simulations, one of which was selected for the cover page of Physical Review Letters.

The purpose of the Symposium is to address studies of basic science problems associated with laser-plasma interactions, as well as industrial applications and applications to medical diagnostics and hadron therapy. We address special topics, related to the laser driven accelerators of charged particles and the laser driven coherent and incoherent x-ray sources with their applications. As it relates to basic research in quantum field physics and astrophysics, special attention will be paid to the generation of super intense electromagnetic waves and to super intense static magnetic fields in high power laser - matter interactions.

Physical and biological basis of proton and of carbon ion radiation therapy and clinical outcome data / Herman Suit, Thomas F. Delaney and Alexei Trofimov -- The production of radionuclides for radiotracers in nuclear medicine / Thomas J. Ruth -- Proton radiation therapy in the hospital environment : conception, development, and operation of the initial hospital-based facility / James M. Slater, Jerry D. Slater and Andrew J. Wroe -- Microwave electron linacs for oncology / David H. Whittum -- Heavy-particle radiotherapy : system design and application / H. Tsujii, S. Minohara and K. Noda -- High frequency linacs for hadrontherapy / Ugo Amaldi, Saverio Braccini and Paolo Puggioni -- Medical cyclotrons / D.L. Friesel and T.A. Antaya -- Synchrotrons for hadrontherapy / Marco G. Pullia -- Beam delivery systems for particle radiation therapy : current status and recent developments / J.M. Schippers -- Laser acceleration of ions for radiation therapy / Toshiki Tajima, Dietrich Habs and Xueqing Yan -- FFAGs as accelerators and beam delivery devices for ion cancer therapy / Dejan Trbojevic -- The dielectric wall accelerator / George J. Caporaso, Yu-Jiuan Chen and Stephen E. Sampayan -- The supercollider : the Texas days - a personal recollection of its short life and demise / Stanley Wojcicki -- A man for all seasons : Robert R. Wilson / Edwin L. Goldwasser

Invention of the solid-state laser has initiated the beginning of the laser era. Performance of solid-state lasers improved amazingly during five decades. Nowadays, solid-state lasers remain one of the most rapidly developing branches of laser science and become an increasingly important tool for modern technology. This book represents a selection of chapters exhibiting various investigation directions in the field of solid-state lasers and the cutting edge of related applications. The materials are contributed by leading researchers and each chapter represents a comprehensive study reflecting advances in modern laser physics. Considered topics are intended to meet the needs of both specialists in laser system design and those who use laser techniques in fundamental science and applied research. This book is the result of efforts of experts from different countries. I would like to acknowledge the authors for their contribution to the book. I also wish to acknowledge Vedran Kordic for indispensable technical assistance in the book preparation and publishing.

The 11th International Conference on X-Ray Lasers had contributions in the following topical areas: Transient Collisional X-Ray Lasers, Table-Top High Repetition Rate X-Ray Lasers, Optical-Field Ionised (OFI) X-Ray Lasers, Theory and Simulation of X-Ray Lasers, High Order Harmonic Generation, XUV Optics and X-Ray Laser Applications, Capillary Discharge X-Ray Lasers, Alternative Sources of coherent XUV Radiation. The proceedings of this conference constitute a comprehensive source of reference for scientists involved in researching the development and application of coherent X-Ray sources.

Lithography, the fundamental fabrication process of semiconductor devices, plays a critical role in micro- and nano-fabrications and the revolution in high density integrated circuits. This book is the result of inspirations and contributions from many researchers worldwide. Although the inclusion of the book chapters may not be a complete representation of all lithographic arts, it does represent a good collection of contributions in this field. We hope readers will enjoy reading the book as much as we have enjoyed bringing it together. We would like to thank all contributors and authors of this book.