Beam physics studies for a high charge and high beam quality laser-plasma accelerator

Abstract

Electron acceleration by laser-plasma techniques is approaching maturity and is getting ready for the construction of particle accelerators with dedicated applications. We present a general methodology showing how beam physics studies can be used to achieve a specific parameter set in a laser-plasma accelerator. Laser systems, plasma targets, and magnetic component properties are designed to optimize the electron beam so as to achieve the required performances. Beam physics in its full 6D phase space is studied from electron injection to beam delivery to the end user, through the plasma acceleration stage and transport line. As each beam parameter can only be modified by specific electric/magnetic field configurations, it is crucial to assign from the beginning specific roles to given accelerator sections in obtaining given beam parameters. These beam physics considerations were successfully applied to the design of a plasma-based electron injector for the AWAKE Run2 experiment. Electron beam parameters were calculated using a global simulation, achieving simultaneously unprecedented high charge (100 pC) and high quality (micrometric beam emittance and size).