Matched Guiding and Controlled Injection in Dark-Current-Free, 10-GeV-Class, Channel-Guided Laser-Plasma Accelerators

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• High-Intensity Laser Science
• Particle Acceleration

Background:

• Laser-plasma accelerators offer a promising path for compact particle acceleration.
• Efficient guiding of high-intensity laser pulses is crucial for optimizing energy transfer to the plasma wake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the propagation dynamics of high-intensity laser pulses in meter-scale, channel-guided laser-plasma accelerators.
• To quantify limitations in laser-to-wake energy transfer for petawatt-class lasers.
• To explore methods for improving electron beam parameters through laser mode control.

Main Methods:

• Adjusting plasma channel length shot-by-shot to measure laser propagation.
• Utilizing hydrogen plasma with a density of approximately 1x10^17 cm^-3.
• Employing simulations to analyze laser mode control effects.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-quality guiding of 500 TW laser pulses over 30 cm.
• Observed transverse energy transport and quasimatched propagation dynamics.
• Generated electron bunches with quasimonoenergetic peaks up to 9.2 GeV, with charge extending beyond 10 GeV.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated efficient laser guiding and energy transfer in a channel-guided laser-plasma accelerator.
• Identified limitations in current petawatt-class laser energy transfer efficiency.
• Showcased the potential of laser mode control to enhance electron beam parameters.