Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Electron self-injection in laser wakefield accelerators (LWFAs) is an important determinator of electron beam parameters. Controllable and adjustable LWFA beams are essential for applications. Controlled injection by capturing sheath electrons can be achieved using plasma density down-ramps or bumps, which perturb the LWFA bubble phase velocity by varying the plasma frequency and by affecting relativistic self-focussing of the laser. We report on a comprehensive study, using particle-in-cell simulations, of the effect of laser pulse evolution on injection on density perturbations. We show how the LWFA can be optimised to make it suitable for use in a wide range of applications, in particular those requiring short duration, low slice-emittance and low energy spread, and high-charge electron bunches.
Source: Scientific Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,590
Awards: Northern Intensive Computing Environment, The Integrated Initiative of European Laser Research Infrastructures, G4303546637, G434337789, G5518437556, Lab in a bubble, G6972787416, G6989204204, G7429662658, G8306836627, G8485643801, The Cockcroft Institute - An International Centre for Accelerator Research and Development serving aspirations of science and society, G8814868798, G9000270039
OpenAlex ID: W4401710538