Effect of Synchrotron Radiation on Staged Plasma Wakefield Accelerators

TL;DR

This paper investigates how synchrotron radiation in the interstage sections of staged plasma wakefield accelerators impacts the achievable accelerating gradient and the maximum energy of the accelerated electrons.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of synchrotron radiation effects in staged plasma accelerators, highlighting their influence on performance limits.

Findings

Synchrotron radiation reduces the accelerating gradient.

Radiation effects limit the final energy achievable.

Interstage design impacts radiation losses.

Abstract

In a staged, beam-driven, plasma wakefield accelerator, electrons are accelerated in a sequence of plasma stages, each powered by a driver electron bunch. Between each stage, a magnetic chicane is used to dispose of the spent driver and to inject the new fresh one, while transporting the witness bunch. We discuss the effect of synchrotron radiation in the interstage section on the accelerating gradient and on the final energy reach of such a machine.