Laser-plasma electron acceleration in dielectric capillary tubes

G. Genoud, K. Cassou, F. Wojda, H. E. Ferrari, C. Kamperidis, M. Burza, A. Persson, J. Uhlig, S. Kneip, S. P.D. Mangles, A. Lifschitz, B. Cros, C. G. Wahlström*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Electron beams and betatron X-ray radiation generated by laser wakefield acceleration in long plasma targets are studied. The targets consist of hydrogen filled dielectric capillary tubes of diameter 150 to 200 microns and length 6 to 20 mm. Electron beams are observed for peak laser intensities as low as 5 × 1017 W/cm2. It is found that the capillary collects energy outside the main peak of the focal spot and contributes to keep the beam self-focused over a distance longer than in a gas jet of similar density. This enables the pulse to evolve enough to reach the threshold for wavebreaking, and thus trap and accelerate electrons. No electrons were observed for capillaries of large diameter (250 ?m), confirming that the capillary influences the interaction and does not have the same behaviour as a gas cell. Finally, X-rays are used as a diagnostic of the interaction and, in particular, to estimate the position of the electrons trapping point inside the capillary.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)309-316
Number of pages8
JournalApplied Physics B: Lasers and Optics
Volume105
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2011
MoE publication typeNot Eligible

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Laser-plasma electron acceleration in dielectric capillary tubes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this