Abstract: An intense electromagnetic pulse can create a weak of plasma oscillations through the action of the nonlinear ponderomotive force. Electrons trapped in the wake can be accelerated to high energy. Existing glass lasers of power density ${10}^{18}$W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ shone on plasmas of densities ${10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ can yield gigaelectronvolts of electron energy per centimeter of acceleration distance. This acceleration mechanism is demonstrated through computer simulation. Applications to accelerators and pulsers are examined.
Publication Year: 1979
Publication Date: 1979-07-23
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 4209
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot