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Multi-GeV energy gain in a plasma-wakefield accelerator
M J Hogan1, C D Barnes, C E Clayton
1Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94309, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|August 11, 2005
Summary
A novel plasma-wakefield accelerator achieved over 2.7 GeV particle acceleration in a compact 10 cm module. This breakthrough in particle acceleration utilizes a dense lithium plasma to drive powerful accelerating wakes.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Particle Acceleration
- Accelerator Physics
Background:
- Plasma-wakefield acceleration is a promising technique for compact particle accelerators.
- Achieving high accelerating gradients is crucial for advancing accelerator technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate significant particle acceleration using a plasma-wakefield accelerator.
- To investigate the use of a dense lithium plasma as the accelerating medium.
Main Methods:
- A highly compressed 28.5 GeV electron beam was injected into a 10 cm lithium vapor column.
- The electron beam ionized the lithium to create a plasma, generating a plasma wake.
- Particles in the rear of the bunch were accelerated by the plasma wake.
Main Results:
- Particle acceleration exceeding 2.7 GeV was achieved within the 10 cm plasma module.
- The electron beam was compressed to 20 microm longitudinally and 10 microm transversely.
- A plasma density of 2.8 x 10^17 atoms/cm^3 was used.
Conclusions:
- Plasma-wakefield acceleration in a dense lithium plasma can achieve high energy gains over short distances.
- This method shows potential for developing more compact and powerful particle accelerators.
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