Developing a 50 MeV LPA-based Injector at ATHENA for a Compact Storage Ring

TL;DR

This paper presents the development of a 50 MeV laser-plasma accelerator-based injector at ATHENA, aiming to enable LPA beam injection into a compact storage ring for advanced accelerator applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel 50 MeV plasma-based injector designed for integration with a storage ring, advancing the application of laser-plasma accelerated beams.

Findings

Design of a 50 MeV plasma injector completed

Key parameters of the plasma injector characterized

Project status summarized and ongoing developments discussed

Abstract

The laser-driven generation of relativistic electron beams in plasma and their acceleration to high energies with GV/m-gradients has been successfully demonstrated. Now, it is time to focus on the application of laser-plasma accelerated (LPA) beams. The "Accelerator Technology HElmholtz iNfrAstructure" (ATHENA) of the Helmholtz Association fosters innovative particle accelerators and high-power laser technology. As part of the ATHENAe pillar several different applications driven by LPAs are to be developed, such as a compact FEL, medical imaging and the first realization of LPA-beam injection into a storage ring. The latter endeavour is conducted in close collaboration between Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Helmholtz Institute Jena (HIJ). In the cSTART project at KIT, a compact storage ring optimized for short bunches and suitable to accept LPA-based electron bunches is in preparation. In this conference contribution we will introduce the 50 MeV LPA-based injector and give an overview about the project goals. The key parameters of the plasma injector will be presented. Finally, the current status of the project will be summarized.