Refraction of $e^-$ beams due to plasma lensing at a plasma-vacuum interface -- applied to beam deflection in a Copper cell with electrical RF-breakdown plasma

TL;DR

This paper models how relativistic electron beams are deflected by plasma lensing effects at a copper-vacuum interface caused by RF-breakdown, with implications for beam control in accelerator structures.

Contribution

It introduces a preliminary model describing electron beam deflection due to plasma response at RF-breakdown sites in copper accelerating cells.

Findings

Model predicts beam deflection based on plasma and beam densities.

Plasma response can significantly influence beam trajectory during RF-breakdown.

Provides a framework for understanding beam behavior in damaged accelerator structures.

Abstract

We formulate a possible description of the deflection of a relativistic $e^-$ beam in an inhomogeneous copper plasma, encountered by the beam when propagating through a accelerating cell that has undergone a high electric-field RF-breakdown. It is well known that an inhomogeneous plasma forms and may last for up to a few micro-seconds, until recombination in an accelerating structure where a field-emission triggers melting and ionization of RF-cell wall deformity. We present a preliminary model for the beam deflection due to collective plasma response based upon the beam density, plasma density and interaction length.