Electron Acceleration in Nd-Laser Plasma Beat-Wave Experiments

Abstract

An electron beam has been accelerated in a plasma wave generated by the laser beat-wave method. The beating of two Nd-laser pulses at wavelengths close to 1 $\ensuremath{\mu}$m creates a relativistic plasma wave in a deuterium plasma. Electrons injected at an energy of 3 MeV are observed to be accelerated up to 3.7 MeV after the plasma. The energy gain is compatible with a peak electric field of the order of 0.6 GV/m, in agreement with model predictions. The experimental setup and the main results are presented.