Proof-Of-Principle Experiment for Laser-Driven Acceleration of Relativistic Electrons in a Semi-Infinite Vacuum

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 2006 · Physical Review Special Topics - Accelerators and Beams

OSTI ID:876762

Plettner, T; Byer, R L; Colby, E; Cowan, B; Sears, C M.S.; Spencer, J E; Siemann, R H

We recently achieved the first experimental observation of laser-driven particle acceleration of relativistic electrons from a single Gaussian near-infrared laser beam in a semi-infinite vacuum. This article presents an in-depth account of key aspects of the experiment. An analysis of the transverse and longitudinal forces acting on the electron beam is included. A comparison of the observed data to the acceleration viewed as an inverse transition radiation process is presented. This is followed by a detailed description of the components of the experiment and a discussion of future measurements.

• Research Organization: SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76SF00515
• OSTI ID: 876762
• Report Number(s): SLAC-PUB-11724; TRN: US0601281
• Journal Information: Physical Review Special Topics - Accelerators and Beams, Vol. 8; ISSN 1098-4402
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
ACCELERATION
ELECTRON BEAMS
LASERS
TRANSITION RADIATION
NEAR INFRARED RADIATION
Accelerators
ACCPHY