Propagation of Super-intense and Ultra-short Laser Pulses in Plasmas

The propagation of super-intense and ultra-short laser pulses in plasmas is a main concern in several applications of the laser-plasma interactions, from Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) to High Energy Physics (HEP). During the propagation in the plasma the light beam deeply changes its parameters due the onset of non-linear effects, among them the relativistic regime of the electron quivering motion. These extreme conditions are suitable for the electron acceleration in high field gradient, opening the way for the realization of compact secondary sources of X-gamma rays.