Multistage Coupling of Laser-Wakefield Accelerators with Curved Plasma Channels

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Particle Accelerators
• High-Energy Physics

Background:

• Multistage coupling of laser-wakefield accelerators is crucial for overcoming laser energy depletion in high-energy applications.
• Current methods use plasma mirrors and lenses, leading to complex setups and potential beam dispersion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a more compact and efficient scheme for simultaneous electron beam and laser pulse coupling in multistage laser-wakefield accelerators.
• To enhance the performance and stability of particle acceleration over multiple stages.

Main Methods:

• A novel partly curved channel design integrates straight acceleration and curved transition segments.
• This design guides fresh laser pulses into subsequent stages while maintaining straight electron beam paths.
• Particle-in-cell simulations were used to validate the proposed scheme.

Main Results:

• The proposed scheme achieves simultaneous coupling of electron beams and laser pulses into the next stage.
• Demonstrated shorter coupling distances and continuous electron guiding within the plasma.
• Suppressed transverse beam dispersion, maintaining high capture efficiency, stability, and beam quality.

Conclusions:

• The integrated curved channel scheme offers a compact and efficient solution for multistage laser-wakefield acceleration.
• This approach is vital for advancing applications like TeV-level electron-positron colliders.
• The method ensures superior beam quality and stability for subsequent acceleration stages.