Electron Dynamics in a Wakefield Accelerator Driven by Laser Pulses Carrying Orbital Angular Momentum
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Laser pulses carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) provide a new degree of freedom for controlling plasma-based accelerators. Here, we experimentally demonstrate OAM-driven laser wakefield acceleration, producing electron beams with a two-beamlet structure that indicates unique azimuthal dynamics inside the plasma wake. Particle-in-cell simulations reproduced the observed spectral features and revealed helical electron trajectories driven by OAM-pulse-driven wakefields. These results show that the laser driver's phase structure can shape electron acceleration dynamics, opening a route to optimal control of beam structure in compact laser-driven accelerators.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Qian, Q., Li, M., Ma, Y., Campbell, P. T., Chang, C-H., Denis, E., Ernst, N., Fedosejevs, R., Hou, B., James, A., von der Leyen, M. W., Krushelnick, K., Kuranz, C., Longman, A., Maksimchuk, A., Nees, J., Norreys, P., Nutting, T., Ohland, J. B., Palastro, J., Thomas, A. G. R., Timmis, R., Willingale, L., Burger, M.
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203677992