Enhanced relativistic-electron beam collimation using two consecutive laser pulses

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Laser-Plasma Interactions
• High-Energy-Density Physics

Background:

• Relativistic electron beams (REBs) are crucial for various applications.
• Efficient collimation of REBs in solid targets remains a challenge.
• Laser-driven REBs offer a pathway for compact particle sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the double laser pulse technique for REB collimation in solid targets.
• To understand the influence of laser parameters on REB focusing.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic field guiding for REB collimation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a double collinear laser pulse scheme focused onto a solid target.
• Varied intensity ratio and time delay between the two laser pulses.
• Employed Cu-Kα and Counter-streaming Two-plasmas (CTR) imaging diagnostics to analyze REB components.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated control over REB collimation by adjusting laser focus size ratio and time delay.
• Identified a clear dependence of maximum REB collimation on laser focal spot size ratio.
• Correlated collimation effects with the dynamics of the generated magnetic field.

Conclusions:

• The double laser pulse approach provides a viable method for controlling REB collimation.
• Magnetic field generation and dynamics play a critical role in guiding REBs.
• Optimizing laser parameters enables tailored REB focusing for specific applications.