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Title: Multi-electron beam generation using co-propagating, parallel laser beams

Journal Article · · New Journal of Physics

High intensity short pulse laser plasma interaction experiments were performed to investigate laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) in the 'bubble' regime. Using a specially designed phase plate, two high intensity laser focal spots were generated adjacent to each other with a transverse spacing of 70 μm and were focused onto a low density plasma target. We found that this configuration generated two simultaneous relativistic electron beams from LWFA (with low divergence) and that these beams often interact strongly with each other for longer propagation distances in the plasma thus reducing beam quality. In addition, it was observed that the existence of an adjacent laser driven wakefield significantly reduced the self-trapping threshold for injection of electrons. Numerical modeling of these interactions demonstrated similar phenomena and also showed that electron beam properties can be affected through precise control of the phase and polarization of the incident laser beam.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0002372
OSTI ID:
1500051
Journal Information:
New Journal of Physics, Vol. 20, Issue 9; ISSN 1367-2630
Publisher:
IOP PublishingCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 2 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Figures / Tables (10)