Pulse-duration dependence of electron acceleration and betatron radiation in tightly focused laser wakefield acceleration
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Betatron X-ray sources generated via laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) hold strong potential for diverse applications. Recent progress in tightly focused, high-intensity LWFA has enabled high-charge electron bunches and enhanced betatron radiation. Systematic experimental scans of the laser pulse duration τ FWHM , a key control parameter for both acceleration and radiation, remain challenging, motivating particle-in-cell simulations. Accordingly, we simulate tightly focused laser pulses propagating in underdense plasma and show that τ FWHM governs transitions between distinct interaction regimes. An optimal duration range of 20–40 fs is identified, where direct laser acceleration contributes substantially, and the conversion efficiencies from laser energy to electron energy and to X-ray energy are simultaneously maximized, reaching 70% and 0.4%, respectively, at ∼1 PW.
Source: Optics Express
DOI: 10.1364/oe.593376
Authors: Jianmeng Wei, Jia Wang, Song Li, Hong Zhang, Hang Guo, Gaojie Zeng, Kangnan Jiang, Hao Wang, Shixia Luan, Ke Feng, Wentao Wang, Yuxin Leng, Ruxin Li
Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,270
OpenAlex ID: W7151347801