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Optical steering of electron beam in laser plasma accelerators
Optics Express
|May 15, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a method to steer electron beams using laser group delay dispersion, achieving precise control over beam direction for applications in colliders and undulators. This technique utilizes laser pulse-front-tilt to guide the electron beam trajectory.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Laser-driven Particle Acceleration
Background:
- Laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) is a promising technique for generating high-energy electron beams.
- Precise control over the electron beam's trajectory is crucial for many applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an effective method for continuously steering electron beams accelerated by asymmetric laser wakefields.
- To investigate the influence of laser pulse-front-tilt (PFT) on electron beam properties and pointing direction.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a Dazzler system and a tilted compressor grating to control laser group delay dispersion.
- Employing asymmetric laser wakefields to accelerate electron beams.
- Analyzing the correlation between laser pulse angular chirp and electron beam deviation angle.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated continuous steering of the electron beam by manipulating laser group delay dispersion.
- Observed that the electron beam deviation angle matches the angular chirp of the laser pulse, determined by PFT.
- Investigated the impact of PFT on electron beam characteristics.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method offers effective, continuous control over electron beam pointing direction.
- This technique is suitable for applications requiring high-precision electron beam manipulation, such as electron-positron colliders and undulators.

