Researchers from the Institute of Plasma Physics and Lasers at the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” in Greece have made significant strides in the field of laser-driven electron acceleration. Their work, published in the journal Physical Review Accelerators and Beams, focuses on optimizing the characteristics of a relativistic electron beam using a novel gaseous target profile.
The team, led by Dr. Dimitris Mancelli, utilized a non-symmetric gas target profile to enhance the total charge and maximum energy of the electron beam produced by an ultra-intense femtosecond laser pulse. This innovative approach resulted in a substantial improvement over their previous experiments, which employed symmetrical nozzles. Specifically, the total charge of the electron beam was increased by at least an order of magnitude, and the maximum energy of the accelerated electrons was enhanced by a factor of two.
The electrons are accelerated via the Laser Wake-Field Acceleration (LWFA) mechanism, a process where the laser pulse creates a plasma wave, or “wakefield,” in the gas target. Electrons are then injected into this wakefield and accelerated to high energies. Particle-in-cell simulations conducted by the researchers indicated that electrons are injected via two mechanisms: ionization and downramp injection.
The practical applications of this research are significant for the energy sector, particularly in the field of radiotherapy. The demonstrated electron source is a considerable candidate for high dose, Very High Energy Electron (VHEE) applications. VHEE beams have the potential to offer several advantages over conventional radiotherapy techniques, including improved dose distribution and reduced damage to healthy tissue. Additionally, the compact size and relatively low cost of laser-driven accelerators make them an attractive option for future energy applications.
In summary, the researchers from the Institute of Plasma Physics and Lasers have made a notable advancement in the optimization of relativistic electron beams using a non-symmetric gas target profile. Their work highlights the potential of laser-driven accelerators for high-energy applications, including radiotherapy, and contributes to the ongoing development of innovative energy technologies.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.