Simulation of the Wisconsin-Argonne Plasma Wakefield Experiment

• 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
• ISSN: 0093-3813; 1939-9375
• DOI: 10.1109/TPS.1987.4316685

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.