Meter-scale plasma waveguides for multi-GeV laser wakefield acceleration
Abstract
We present results from two new techniques for the generation of meter-scale, low density (∼1017 cm−3 on axis) plasma waveguides, the “two-Bessel” technique, and the “self-waveguiding” technique. Plasma waveguides of this density and length range are needed for demonstration of a ∼10 GeV laser wakefield accelerator module, key for future staging for a ∼TeV lepton collider. Both techniques require the use of high quality ultrashort pulse Bessel beams to efficiently and uniformly ionize hydrogen gas in meter-scale supersonic gas jets via optical field ionization. We review these two techniques, describe our meter-scale gas jets, and present a new method for correction of optical aberrations in Bessel beams. Finally, we briefly present results from recent experiments employing one of our techniques, demonstrating quasi-monoenergetic acceleration of ∼5 GeV electron bunches in 20 cm long, low density plasma waveguides.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 10.1063/5.0097214
Entities
People
- B. Miao
- Howard Milchberg
- J. E. Shrock
- L. Feder
Organizations
- National Science Foundation
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Department of Energy
- University of Maryland