초록 ▼

The invention provides a novel laser-plasma-based source of relativistic electrons; and a method to use laser-driven plasma waves as the basis for the source of electrons. The technique involves a combination of laser beams, which are focused in a plasma. One beam creates a wakefield plasma wave. In

The invention provides a novel laser-plasma-based source of relativistic electrons; and a method to use laser-driven plasma waves as the basis for the source of electrons. The technique involves a combination of laser beams, which are focused in a plasma. One beam creates a wakefield plasma wave. In one embodiment, the one beam creates a wakefield plasma wave and the other beam alters the trajectory of background electrons, such that they become trapped in the plasma wave and are then accelerated to relativistic velocities, preferably in a distance less than a millimeter. In another embodiment, the second beam removes electrons from atomic ions previously generated by the first beam thereby providing electrons which become trapped in the plasma wave and then accelerated to relativistic velocities.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [23.] A method for accelerating electrons comprising the steps of:a. generating a beam of at least one pump laser pulse;b. directing said pump pulse onto a target to produce a plasma wave in a plasma comprising free electrons and atomic ions; said plasma wave moving in the direction of

[ We claim:] [23.] A method for accelerating electrons comprising the steps of:a. generating a beam of at least one pump laser pulse;b. directing said pump pulse onto a target to produce a plasma wave in a plasma comprising free electrons and atomic ions; said plasma wave moving in the direction of propagation of said pump pulse, encompassing electrons in-phase with oscillating motion of said plasma wave, and being characterized by an electric field;c. generating a beam of at least one injection laser pulse;d. directing said injection pulse beam into said plasma wave in a direction transverse to the direction of propagation of said plasma wave to produce dephased electrons that are dephased with respect to the oscillating motion of said plasma wave; ande. positioning said dephased electrons in said plasma wave electric field and accelerating said electrons by force of said electric field.