AbstractThe Rutherford Appleton Laboratory has been at the forefront of investigations into the physics associated with the fast ignition concept for inertial confinement fusion. This scheme involves complex laser–plasma processes, the theoretical understanding of which relies heavily on particle-in-cell calculations. In this paper, three experiments displaying quantitative agreement with detailed multi-dimensional PIC calculations are reviewed: hole-boring velocity measurements; relativistic self-focusing; and harmonic generation from plasma surfaces. Qualitative agreement of hot electron temperature measurements with PIC simulations are also discussed. The authors believe these results are very encouraging for the fast ignition concept.