The physics experiment for a laser-driven electron accelerator

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment Vol. 407; no. 1; pp. 316 - 321
• Main Authors: Huang, Y.C, Plettner, T, Byer, R.L, Pantell, R.H, Swent, R.L, Smith, T.I, Spencer, J.E, Siemann, R.H, Wiedemann, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 21.04.1998
• Subjects: Accelerator; Free-electron laser; Laser; 42.55.Tb; Free-electron laser; 29; Laser; Accelerator
• ISSN: 0168-9002; 1872-9576
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-9002(98)00042-4

A physics experiment for laser-driven, electron acceleration in a structure-loaded vacuum is being carried out at Stanford University. The experiment is to demonstrate the linear dependence of the electron energy gain on the laser field strength. The accelerator structure, made of dielectric, is semi-open, with dimensions a few thousand times the laser wavelength. The electrons traverse the axis of two crossed laser beams to obtain acceleration within a coherence distance. We predict that the demonstration experiment will produce a single-stage, electron energy gain of 300 keV over a 2.5 mm distance. Ultimately, acceleration gradients of 1 GeV m −1 should be possible.