Simulation of the Wisconsin-Argonne Plasma Wakefield Experiment

The plasma wakefield accelerator (PWFA) is an advanced accelerator concept that uses the large electric fields that can be generated in a plasma to accelerate charged particles. We present the results of a self-consistent two-dimensional simulation of the first experiment designed to test this conce...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on plasma science 1987-04, Vol.15 (2), p.199-202, Article 199
Main Authors: Keinigs, Rhon, Jones, Michael E., Su, J. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acceleration
Electron beams
Exact sciences and technology
Particle accelerators
Particle beams
Physics
Physics of gases, plasmas and electric discharges
Physics of plasmas and electric discharges
Plasma accelerators
Plasma density
Plasma interactions (nonlaser)
Plasma measurements
Plasma simulation
Plasma waves
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Summary:The plasma wakefield accelerator (PWFA) is an advanced accelerator concept that uses the large electric fields that can be generated in a plasma to accelerate charged particles. We present the results of a self-consistent two-dimensional simulation of the first experiment designed to test this concept. Linear theory predicts for this experiment an accelerating gradient of approximately 95 MV/m. However, the simulations indicate that a much larger accelerating field is achieved in the plasma. This enhancement is due to strong beam pinching, which is not treated self-consistently by a linear theory. Wave steepening due to a nonlinear modulation of the background plasma is also observed. This steepening results in a phase shift that degrades the acceleration.
ISSN:0093-3813
1939-9375
DOI:10.1109/TPS.1987.4316685