Experimental Observation of Space-Charge Field Screening of a Relativistic Particle Bunch in Plasma

TL;DR

This paper experimentally demonstrates how plasma screens the space-charge field of a relativistic particle bunch, reducing dielectric wakefields in a confined plasma environment, with implications for beam control.

Contribution

First experimental observation of space-charge field screening in plasma using dielectric wakefield measurements in a confined setup.

Findings

Plasma effectively screens space-charge fields at large distances.

Dielectric and plasma wakefields coexist before full screening.

Screening depends on the distance relative to plasma skin depth.

Abstract

The space-charge field of a relativistic charged bunch propagating in plasma is screened due to the presence of mobile charge carriers. We experimentally investigate such screening by measuring the effect of dielectric wakefields driven by the bunch in a uncoated dielectric capillary where the plasma is confined. We show that the plasma screens the space-charge field and therefore suppresses the dielectric wakefields when the distance between the bunch and the dielectric surface is much larger than the plasma skin depth. Before full screening is reached, the effects of dielectric and plasma wakefields are present simultaneously.