Laser Electron Accelerator

Abstract

An intense electromagnetic pulse can create a weak of plasma oscillations through the action of the nonlinear ponderomotive force. Electrons trapped in the wake can be accelerated to high energy. Existing glass lasers of power density ${10}^{18}$W/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$ shone on plasmas of densities ${10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{-3\mathrm{}}$ can yield gigaelectronvolts of electron energy per centimeter of acceleration distance. This acceleration mechanism is demonstrated through computer simulation. Applications to accelerators and pulsers are examined.