Full PIC simulation of a first ACHIP experiment @ SINBAD

TL;DR

This paper presents a simulation study of injecting a short electron bunch into a dielectric laser accelerator at SINBAD, combining particle-in-cell and tracking simulations to estimate experimental outcomes.

Contribution

It introduces a combined simulation approach using ASTRA and CST Particle Studio to model a DLA experiment at SINBAD, aiding in experimental planning.

Findings

Estimated electron energy spectra with and without laser fields

Validation of simulation methods for DLA experiments

Preparation for future experimental injection at SINBAD

Abstract

In laser illuminated dielectric accelerators (DLA) high acceleration gradients can be achieved due to high damage thresholds of the materials at optical frequencies. This is a necessity for developing more compact particle accelerator technologies. The Accelerator on a CHip International Program (ACHIP) funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is researching such devices. DESY Hamburg is part of the collaboration. The dedicated accelerator research facility SINBAD is particularly well suited for DLA experiments at relativistic electron energies. High quality beams and short bunch lengths are anticipated from the ARES linac which is currently under construction at SINBAD. The aim of the experiment is the injection of a short electron bunch from the ARES linac into a DLA. In this study the results of one of the first possible experiments at the facility are estimated via a combination of particle-in-cell (PIC) and tracking simulations. ASTRA is used to simulate an electron bunch from the ARES linac at a suitable working point. The dielectric part of the setup will be simulated using the PIC code from CST Particle Studio incorporating the retrieved bunch from the ASTRA simulation. The energy spectra of the electron bunches are calculated as would be measured from a spectrometer dipole with and without the laser fields.