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Nonlinear longitudinal space charge oscillations in relativistic electron beams
P Musumeci1, R K Li, A Marinelli
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|June 4, 2011
Summary
We studied how periodic modulations in relativistic electron beams evolve due to space-charge forces. Large modulations cause wave breaking, forming short current spikes, confirmed by experiments for advanced accelerator applications.
Area of Science:
- Plasma physics
- Accelerator physics
- Beam dynamics
Background:
- Relativistic electron beams are crucial for advanced accelerators.
- Understanding beam modulation evolution is key to controlling beam properties.
- Longitudinal space-charge forces significantly impact beam stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal evolution of periodic modulations in relativistic electron beams.
- To analyze the effect of longitudinal space-charge forces on beam density and energy profiles.
- To explore the phenomenon of wave breaking and current spike formation.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis using linear theory.
- Numerical simulations of beam dynamics.
- Experimental measurements on a picosecond-modulated electron beam from an RF photoinjector.
Main Results:
- Linear theory predicts a periodic exchange between density and energy modulations at the beam plasma frequency.
- Wave breaking occurs for sufficiently large initial modulations after half a plasma oscillation period.
- Experimental confirmation of wave breaking and the formation of short current spikes was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the theoretical predictions of modulation evolution and wave breaking in relativistic electron beams.
- The formation of intense electron pulse trains via current spikes is demonstrated.
- These findings have implications for advanced accelerator applications requiring precisely controlled electron pulses.
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