APS Logo

Generation of multi-Joule, multi-GeV electron beams by laser-driven acceleration in meter-scale plasma waveguides

ORAL · Invited

Abstract

Development of new methods for the all-optical generation of meter-scale, low-density (~1017 cm-3) plasma waveguides [1–3] at the University of Maryland has enabled a new generation of laser-driven plasma accelerators capable of accelerating electron bunches to ~10 GeV in tens of centimeters [4,5]. In this talk, I will discuss the key physics innovations of our group leading to these results, including optical techniques for waveguide formation [1–3,6], the design of meter-scale supersonic gas jets [7], multi-physics modelling of waveguide formation, evolution and guiding properties [8], and a new model of relativistic pulse propagation in macroscopically long plasma guiding structures [9]. I will then present results from our most recent experiments, including high efficiency acceleration to ~10 GeV in a 30 cm plasma waveguide [10], the first demonstration of muon imaging radiography driven by a laser wakefield accelerator, and the demonstration of 1-meter-long plasma waveguides in a new modular supersonic gas jet.

–

Publication: [1] B. Miao et al., Optical Guiding in Meter-Scale Plasma Waveguides, Phys Rev Lett 125, 74801 (2020).<br>[2] L. Feder et al., Self-waveguiding of relativistic laser pulses in neutral gas channels, Phys Rev Res 2, 43173 (2020).<br>[3] J. E. Shrock et al., Meter-scale plasma waveguides for multi-GeV laser wakefield acceleration, Phys Plasmas 29, 073101 (2022).<br>[4] B. Miao et al., Multi-GeV Electron Bunches from an All-Optical Laser Wakefield Accelerator, Phys Rev X 12, 31038 (2022).<br>[5] B. Miao, J. Shrock, and H. Milchberg, Electrons See the Guiding Light, Physics Today (2024).<br>[6] B. Miao et al., Phase front retrieval and correction of Bessel beams, Opt Express 30, 11360 (2022).<br>[7] B. Miao et al., Meter-Scale Supersonic Gas Jets for Multi-GeV Laser-Plasma Accelerators, Preprint: https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.10236 (2024).<br>[8] B. Miao et al., Benchmarking of hydrodynamic plasma waveguides for multi-GeV laser-driven electron acceleration, Physical Review Accelerators and Beams 27, (2024).<br>[9] J. E. Shrock et al., Guided Mode Evolution and Ionization Injection in Meter-Scale Multi-GeV Laser Wakefield Accelerators, Phys Rev Lett 133, (2024).<br>[10] J. E. Shrock et al., Efficient production of multi-Joule, multi-GeV electron beams in a 30 cm laser plasma accelerator, In Preparation (2024).<br>

Presenters

  • Jaron E Shrock

    University of Maryland College Park

Authors

  • Jaron E Shrock

    University of Maryland College Park

  • Ela Rockafellow

    University of Maryland

  • Ari Sloss

    University of Maryland

  • Bo Miao

    University of Maryland College Park

  • Howard Michael Milchberg

    University of Maryland College Park