PIC Simulation of Relativistic Laser-Plasma Physics at the CLF
In this overview/tutorial-style talk, I will summarize the Particle-in-Cell method, (some of) the topics that it can be used to address in ultra-intense (> 10^18 Wcm^-2) laser-matter interactions, the methodology of using PIC simulations, and what we have learnt from PIC simulations about current experiments and the future prospects of particular topics. This includes the prospects for finding applications of ultra-intense laser-matter interactions. More detail will be given on those topics relevant to my own work (ion acceleration and fast electron generation). An emerging topic in PIC simulation, which will also be discussed, is the inclusion of radiation reaction and pair production, which will play an important role in future laser interactions.