Laser accelerators: experiments, computations and prospects

Ever since the research on laser-based particle acceleration concepts began in earnest about a dozen years ago, there has been very significant progress in the field of Advanced Accelerator Research. Proof-of-principle experiments that demonstrate the physical principle of the various schemes have now been carried out. These experiments are guided by state-of-the-art computer simulations made possible by the recent revolution in computing power and techniques. The research is poised to move on to the next level where it will address both physics and technology issues that are at the very forefront of beam science