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Near-microcoulomb multi-MeV electrons generation in laser-driven self-formed plasma channel

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 July 2017

Y. Yang ,
J. Jiao ,
C. Tian ,
Y. Wu ,
K. Dong ,
W. Zhou ,
Y. Gu  and
Z. Zhao
Y. Yang
Affiliation:
Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900, People's Republic of China
J. Jiao
Affiliation:
Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900, People's Republic of China
C. Tian
Affiliation:
Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900, People's Republic of China
Y. Wu
Affiliation:
Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900, People's Republic of China IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
K. Dong
Affiliation:
Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900, People's Republic of China
W. Zhou
Affiliation:
Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900, People's Republic of China IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
Y. Gu
Affiliation:
Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900, People's Republic of China IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
Z. Zhao*
Affiliation:
Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900, People's Republic of China IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Z. Zhao, Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering Physics, P.O. Box 919-986, Mianyang 621900, People's Republic of China. E-mail: zhaozongqing99@caep.cn
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Abstract

The origin and characteristics of near-microcoulomb multi-MeV electrons accelerated by short pulse lasers interacting with near-critical density plasma in self-formed channels are studied using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. According to the analysis on interaction phenomena and electron dynamics, the dominant mechanism turns out to be direct laser acceleration, which ensures the outstanding energy coupling. Additionally, self-channeling is found to be a decisive factor for the acceleration performance, as electrons obtain ultra-high energy through betatron resonance inside the channels. In our findings, by using a relativistic short laser pulse and near-critical plasma, a large amount of energetic electrons can be generated, presenting a promising and accessible route to ultraintense, high-spatial-resolution radiation pulses.

Keywords

High-charge electronNear-critical densityPlasma channelDirect laser acceleration
Type
Research Article
Information
Laser and Particle Beams , Volume 35 , Issue 3 , September 2017 , pp. 476 - 482
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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