A novel accelerating structure based on a tapered parallel-plate waveguide with an integrated dielectric terahertz-driven accelerator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact dielectric terahertz-driven accelerator integrated within a tapered parallel-plate waveguide, achieving high-gradient acceleration and efficient THz field enhancement for potential tabletop applications.

Contribution

It presents a novel integrated structure combining a tapered waveguide with a dielectric accelerator, demonstrating significant field amplification and effective particle acceleration capabilities.

Findings

Sixfold electric field amplification inside the waveguide.

Achieves acceleration gradients up to 120 MeV/m.

Supports bunch charges up to 10 pC with minimal degradation.

Abstract

We present a novel dielectric terahertz-driven accelerator (DTA) that integrates a dual-pillar grating structure within a tapered parallel-plate waveguide (TPPWG). This compact setup enables efficient particle acceleration using multi-cycle, narrowband terahertz (THz) pulses. The TPPWG serves a dual role: it enhances the THz field via geometric tapering and delivers it to the dielectric structure by efficient coupling. Experimental validation of the THz field inside the waveguide is conducted using electro-optic sampling. Optimization of waveguide parameters through time-domain simulations reveals a sixfold peak electric field amplification at the end of the waveguide. The dielectric accelerator is tailored for maximum acceleration by adjusting the DTA pillar radius and vacuum channel gap for relativistic electron beams. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations demonstrate that the structure supports net acceleration with gradients up to 120 MeV per m for 0.1 GV per m field strengths, and can accommodate bunch charges up to 10 pC with minimal degradation. Energy spread evolution and beam dynamics are discussed in detail, including the role of phase slippage and bunch length. This work establishes the DTA-integrated TPPWG as a compact and scalable platform for high-gradient THz-driven acceleration, combining simple fabrication and design, strong field enhancement, and compatibility with existing electron sources. It opens new pathways toward practical, tabletop accelerators for scientific and industrial applications.