The Department of Quantum Beam Physics at SANKEN Osaka University (Hosokai’s Laboratory) conducts research and development of a laser-plasma accelerator that accelerates electrons to ultra-high energies using plasma waves excited by the interaction between intense laser pulses and plasma. Based on a detailed understanding of the relativistic plasma and beam behavior based on numerical simulations, laser-driven acceleration experiments are being performed with a large laser, and plasma control and beam generation techniques are being developed to realize a table-top size GeV-class laser accelerator. We are also exploring novel applications of quantum beams, such as drug discovery deep in the body using high-energy electron beams. Furthermore, we are also promoting research on material modification and strengthening using high-power lasers.

Since the quality of LWFA electron beams has been dramatically improved by the progress of laser-drivenFEL research,we decided to explore applications of LWFA that can be implemented in society at an early stage in parallel with FEL research,and started research on drug discovery using high-energy electron beams and prodrugs in collaboration with our groups of beam physics,organic chemistry,radiation chemistry at SANKEN,and radiation oncology at the Department of Medicine of Osaka University. In this talk,beam drug discovery research aimed at activating chemicals in the deep body will be presented as a realistic application of compact high-energy electron accelerators,including LWFA.