Pablo J. Bilbao

As a theoretical plasma physicist, my research sits at the frontier of extreme plasma physics, where conventional plasma dynamics meet radiation reaction, QED effects, and relativistic pair plasmas. I use a mix of analytical theory and large-scale PIC simulations to investigate kinetic instabilities in extreme environments, both in astrophysical settings and in the laboratory. I am particularly interested in how radiation can drive instabilties and how collective effects are modified, for example by triggering coherent emission (with potential connections to Fast Radio Bursts), as well as in how similar mechanisms can be realised in wakefield accelerators and in experiments such as CERN’s Fireball programme. A highlight of my ongoing and planned projects can be found in my CV.

I’m passionate about bridging theory, simulation, and experiment through new experimental platforms that recreate these extreme conditions, and I’m always happy to talk about this work, so just send me an email¹!