Optical plasma torch electron bunch generation in plasma wakefield accelerators

• Published in: Physical review special topics. PRST-AB. Accelerators and beams Vol. 18; no. 8; p. 081304
• Main Authors: Wittig, G., Karger, O., Knetsch, A., Xi, Y., Deng, A., Rosenzweig, J. B., Bruhwiler, D. L., Smith, J., Manahan, G. G., Sheng, Z.-M., Jaroszynski, D. A., Hidding, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: College Park American Physical Society 31.08.2015; American Physical Society (APS)
• Subjects: 70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY; Accelerators; Electron trajectories; Electrons; Gas density; PARTICLE ACCELERATORS; Plasma; Plasma waves; Trajectory control
• ISSN: 1098-4402; 1098-4402; 2469-9888
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevSTAB.18.081304

A novel, flexible method of witness electron bunch generation in plasma wakefield accelerators is described. A quasistationary plasma region is ignited by a focused laser pulse prior to the arrival of the plasma wave. This localized, shapeable optical plasma torch causes a strong distortion of the plasma blowout during passage of the electron driver bunch, leading to collective alteration of plasma electron trajectories and to controlled injection. This optically steered injection is more flexible and faster when compared to hydrodynamically controlled gas density transition injection methods.