Plasma wakefield acceleration

Plasma wakefield acceleration (PWFA): Intense electron beams are an alternative to intense laser pulses as a method to drive plasma waves. PWFA has several advantages when compared to LWFA, such as phase-constant acceleration over extended distances. Crucially, PWFA offers novel methods for electron injection and electron beam formation via the plasma photocathode or plasma torch density downramp approaches, which are pathways towards unique and ultrabright beams. We proposed, introduced and realized these methods for the first time with electron beams at PWFA-capable linacs, notably at Stanford in the US at SLAC’s Facility for Advanced Accelerator Experimental Tests (FACET). 

Photo from: Directions in plasma wakefield acceleration, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A 377, 2151 (2019)