High-charge relativistic electron bunches from a kHz laser-plasma accelerator

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a stable, high-charge relativistic electron source using kHz laser-plasma acceleration, achieving up to 24 pC per shot with potential applications in various fields.

Contribution

It introduces a novel kilohertz laser-plasma accelerator capable of producing high-charge electron bunches with stable operation and high repetition rate.

Findings

Achieved up to 24 pC electron charge per pulse.

Demonstrated stable operation at kilohertz repetition rate.

Produced an average current of 24 nA.

Abstract

We report on electron wakefield acceleration in the resonant bubble regime with few-millijoule near-single-cycle laser pulses at a kilohertz repetition rate. Using very tight focusing of the laser pulse in conjunction with microscale supersonic gas jets, we demonstrate a stable relativistic electron source with a high charge per pulse up to 24 pC/shot. The corresponding average current is 24 nA, making this kilohertz electron source useful for various applications.