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Non-equilibrium Microwave Plasma for Efficient High Temperature Chemistry
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High-field plasma acceleration in a high-ionization-potential gas
1LOA, ENSTA ParisTech, CNRS, École Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau 91762, France.
Nature Communications
|June 18, 2016
Summary
Particle beam-driven plasma accelerators overcome distance limitations by using electrons in the tail of a drive beam. This method achieved 27 GeV electron acceleration in argon, a 130% energy boost.
Area of Science:
- Plasma physics
- Particle accelerator technology
Background:
- Particle beam-driven plasma accelerators offer high accelerating fields and energy efficiency.
- Head erosion in drive beams can limit acceleration distance and energy gain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome the limitations of head erosion in plasma accelerators.
- To demonstrate electron acceleration in the tail of a drive beam.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a high-ionization-potential gas (argon) for plasma generation.
- Employing particle-in-cell simulations to analyze plasma behavior and electric fields.
Main Results:
- Electrons in the drive beam's tail achieved 27 GeV energy, a 130% increase from their initial 20.35 GeV.
- Sustained high electric fields of approximately 150 GV/m over 20 cm in argon plasma.
Conclusions:
- The study overcomes previous acceleration distance limitations in plasma accelerators.
- Results suggest new design possibilities for particle beam drivers and plasma sources.
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