Three-dimensional structure of the laser wakefield accelerator in the blowout regime

TL;DR

This paper uses 3D PIC simulations to analyze the structure of laser wakefield accelerators in the blowout regime, revealing electron cavitation and high accelerating fields in plasma interactions.

Contribution

It provides detailed 3D simulation insights into the wakefield structures and acceleration mechanisms in the blowout regime of laser-plasma interactions.

Findings

Electron cavitation is nearly complete during laser propagation.

Accelerating fields exceeding 1 GeV/cm are generated.

Simulations show the structure of the wakefield in 3D.

Abstract

Three-dimensional Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations with the code QuickPIC are used to illustrate the typical accelerating structures associated with the interaction of an intense laser beam with an underdense plasma in the blowout regime. Our simulations are performed with an externally injected electron beam, positioned in the region of maximum accelerating gradients. As the laser propagates in the plasma, almost complete electron cavitation occurs, leading to the generation of accelerating fields in excess of 1 GeV/cm.