An $ep$ collider based on proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration

TL;DR

This paper explores the concept of a future electron-proton collider powered by proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration, highlighting its potential for high-energy physics research and discussing its design, physics, and experimental basis.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scheme for an $ep$ collider using proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration, including design parameters and physics potential.

Findings

Proton bunches can excite strong plasma wakefields for electron acceleration.

A proposed collider could reach electron energies up to 100 GeV within 170 m.

The AWAKE experiment demonstrates proof of principle for proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration.

Abstract

Recent simulations have shown that a high-energy proton bunch can excite strong plasma wakefields and accelerate a bunch of electrons to the energy frontier in a single stage of acceleration. This scheme could lead to a future $ep$ collider using the LHC for the proton beam and a compact electron accelerator of length 170 m, producing electrons of energy up to 100 GeV. The parameters of such a collider are discussed as well as conceptual layouts within the CERN accelerator complex. The physics of plasma wakefield acceleration will also be introduced, with the AWAKE experiment, a proof of principle demonstration of proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration, briefly reviewed, as well as the physics possibilities of such an $ep$ collider.