Plasma-wave generation and acceleration of electrons by a nondiverging beating optical beam

Plasma waves can be used to create efficient and small-sized electron accelerators. Despite the already demonstrated success in reaching GeV-scale energy gain in the motion of electrons, laser-induced wakefields still suffer from the transverse spreading and the loss of synchronization with the accelerating particles. In this work, to tackle these problems, we propose using a two-wavelength structured laser beam with a designed angular dispersion and adjustable group velocity in free space to efficiently excite a nondiverging plasma wave. This approach allows one to generate an electron bunch with low transverse spread and reach high average acceleration gradients.

Automated summary

Plasma waves are used to create efficient and small-sized electron accelerators. To solve the problems of transverse spreading and loss of synchronization in laser-induced wakefields, this study proposes the use of a two-wavelength structured laser beam with designed angular dispersion and adjustable group velocity to efficiently excite a nondiverging plasma wave. This approach allows for the generation of an electron bunch with low transverse spread and high average acceleration gradients.