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Abstract:

Hydrodynamic optically-field-ionized (HOFI) plasma channels up to 100mm long are investigated. Optical guiding is demonstrated of laser pulses with a peak input intensity of $6\times10^{17}$ W cm$^{-2}$ through 100mm long plasma channels with on-axis densities measured interferometrically to be as low as $n_{e0} =(1.0\pm0.3)\times10^{17}$cm$^{-3}$. Guiding is also observed at lower axial densities, which are inferred from magneto-hydrodynamic simulations to be approximately $7\times10^{16}$cm$^{-3}$. Measurements of the power attenuation lengths of the channels are shown to be in good agreement with those calculated from the measured transverse electron density profiles. To our knowledge, the plasma channels investigated in this work are the longest, and have the lowest on-axis density, of any free-standing waveguide demonstrated to guide laser pulses with intensities above $>10^{17}$ W cm$^{-2}$.

Abstract:

Hydrodynamic optical-field-ionised (HOFI) plasma channels promise a route towards high repetition-rate, metre-scale stages for future laser plasma accelerators. These channels are formed by hydrodynamic expansion of a plasma column produced by optical field ionisation at the focus of a laser, typically from an axicon lens. Since the laser pulses used to generate the initial plasma column are of sub-picosecond duration, chromatic effects in the axicon lens could be important. In this paper we assess these effects using a numerical propagation code. The code is validated using analytical formulae and experimental data. For the parameter range investigated, dispersive effects are found to be of minor importance, reducing the peak on-axis intensity in the focal region by approximately 10%.

Abstract:

The EuPRAXIA project aims at designing the world's first accelerator based on advanced plasma-wakefield techniques to deliver 5 GeV electron beams that simultaneously have high charge, low emittance and low energy spread, which are required for applications by future user communities. Meeting this challenging objective will only be possible through dedicated effort. Many injection/acceleration schemes and techniques have been explored by means of thorough simulations in more than ten European research institutes. This enables selection of the most appropriate methods for solving each particular problem. The specific challenge of generating, extracting and transporting high charge beams, while maintaining the high quality needed for user applications, are being tackled using innovative approaches. This article highlights preliminary results obtained by the EuPRAXIA collaboration, which also exhibit the required laser and plasma parameters.

Abstract:

© Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd. The Horizon 2020 project EuPRAXIA (European Plasma Research Accelerator with eXcellence In Applications) is producing a conceptual design report for a highly compact and cost-effective European facility with multi-GeV electron beams accelerated using plasmas. EuPRAXIA will be set up as a distributed Open Innovation platform with two construction sites, one with a focus on beam-driven plasma acceleration (PWFA) and another site with a focus on laser-driven plasma acceleration (LWFA). User areas at both sites will provide access to free-electron laser pilot experiments, positron generation and acceleration, compact radiation sources, and test beams for high-energy physics detector development. Support centres in four different countries will complement the pan-European implementation of this infrastructure.