Abstract
A novel approach for the generation of ultrabright attosecond electron bunches is proposed, based on acceleration in vacuum, by a short laser pulse. The laser-pulse profile is tailored such that the electrons are both focused and accelerated by the ponderomotive force of the light. Using time-averaged equations of motion, analytical criteria for optimal regime of acceleration are found. It is shown that for realistic laser parameters, a beam with up to particles and normalized transverse and longitudinal emittances can be produced.
- Received 21 August 2000
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.5274
©2001 American Physical Society