Modeling multi-GeV class laser-plasma accelerators with INF{\&}RNO

POSTER

Abstract

Laser plasma accelerators (LPAs) can produce accelerating gradients on the order of tens to hundreds of GV/m, making them attractive as compact particle accelerators for radiation production or as drivers for future high-energy colliders. Understanding and optimizing the performance of LPAs requires detailed numerical modeling of the nonlinear laser-plasma interaction. We present simulation results, obtained with the computationally efficient, PIC/fluid code INF{\&}RNO (INtegrated Fluid {\&} paRticle simulatioN cOde), concerning present (multi-GeV stages) and future (10 GeV stages) LPA experiments performed with the BELLA PW laser system at LBNL. In particular, we will illustrate the issues related to the guiding of a high-intensity, short-pulse, laser when a realistic description for both the laser driver and the background plasma is adopted.

Authors

  • Carlo Benedetti

    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley Natl Lab

  • Carl Schroeder

    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, LBNL, Lawrence Berkeley Natl Lab

  • Stepan Bulanov

    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley Natl Lab

  • Cameron Geddes

    LBNL, Lawrence Berkeley Natl Lab

  • Eric Esarey

    Lawrence Berkeley Natl Lab

  • Wim Leemans

    Lawrence Berkeley Natl Lab