Laser wakefield acceleration based x ray source using 225-TW and 13-fs laser pulses produced by thin film compression

Area of Science:

• High-intensity laser-matter interactions
• Plasma physics
• Particle acceleration

Background:

• Laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) is a promising technique for generating high-energy electron beams.
• Optimizing laser pulse parameters is crucial for enhancing LWFA performance and associated radiation generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of ultrashort laser pulse duration on laser wakefield acceleration and synchrotron radiation.
• To demonstrate the generation of 225 TW peak power pulses with a duration of 13 fs.

Main Methods:

• Ultrashort laser pulses (130 TW, 24 fs) were compressed to 13 fs using thin film compression (TFC) with chirped mirrors.
• The compressed pulses propagated through a 1-mm-thick fused silica plate, causing spectral broadening.
• The focused 13-fs pulses were used to drive LWFA, and resulting electron energies and betatron radiation were measured.

Main Results:

• Achieved 225 TW peak power with 13-fs laser pulses.
• Observed increased electron energy and betatron radiation critical energy compared to 24-fs pulses.
• Demonstrated effective focusing of the compressed 13-fs pulses, despite a minor Strehl ratio degradation.

Conclusions:

• Reducing laser pulse duration to 13 fs significantly enhances LWFA performance and synchrotron radiation.
• The TFC technique is effective for generating ultrashort, high-power laser pulses suitable for advanced applications.
• Ultrashort pulses are beneficial for increasing electron energy and betatron radiation critical energy in LWFA.