Simple laser accelerator: Optics and particle dynamics

Marlan O. Scully and M. S. Zubairy
Phys. Rev. A 44, 2656 – Published 1 August 1991
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Abstract

When a laser is focused it develops a longitudinal component. This could be used to develop a laser particle accelerator. A lens waveguide array is discussed, and it is shown that such a system could generate high-energy particle beams. The possibility of using a ‘‘diffraction-free’’ Bessel beam is discussed, and a possible configuration is suggested. To accelerate electrons from one to a few MeV seems possible using a well-focused, 1-J, 1-ps laser pulse. This would provide a simple proof-of-principle experiment. In order to accelerate heavier particles, such as protons, the injected particle beam would have to be ultrarelativistic such as that produced by the superconducting supercollider.

  • Received 19 November 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.44.2656

©1991 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Marlan O. Scully and M. S. Zubairy

  • Center for Advanced Studies and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
  • Max-Planck Institut für Quantenoptik, D-8046 Garching, Federal Republic of Germany

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Vol. 44, Iss. 4 — August 1991

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