Terawatt picosecond CO[sub 2] laser technology for high energy physics applications

Abstract

the results of such use of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, Demonstration of ultra-high acceleration gradients in the SM LWFA experiments put a next objective for the laser accelerator development to achieve a low-emittance monochromatic acceleration over extended interaction distances. The emerging picosecond terawatt (ps-TW) C02 laser technology helps to meet this strategic goal. Among the considered examples are the staged electron laser accelerator (STELLA) experiment, which is being conducted at the Brookhaven ATF, and the plasma-channeled LWFA. The long-wavelength and high average power capabilities of C02 lasers maybe utilized also for generation of intense x-ray and gamma radiation through Compton back-scattering of the laser beams off relativistic electrons. We discuss applications of ps-TW C02 lasers for a tentative y-y (or y-lepton) collider and generation of polarized positron beams.

Practical approach to monochromatic LWFA

“…Thus, a certain trade-off needs to be resolved during the design of the high-gradient laser accelerator capable to deliver a good quality electron beam. It is shown [13,14] that due to the enhanced ponderomotive action of the long wavelength radiation, CO 2 laser may help in designing the GeV compact electron accelerator with the appreciably high, ~0.1 nC, bunch charge. Below, we discuss how to do it with a low energy spread and a controlled emittance.…”