Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to capture 3D snapshots of laser-wakefield accelerated electron bunches. This advancement is crucial because understanding the complex 3D structure of these bunches is essential for developing advanced applications like compact particle accelerators and brighter X-ray sources.
The new technique expertly combines optical transition radiation (OTR) imaging, electro-optic (EO) spatial decoding, and a genetic algorithm (GA) for this purpose. This allows for single-shot measurements that were previously difficult to achieve.
The findings reveal valuable insights into the behavior of electron bunches generated by laser-wakefield acceleration. The team successfully visualized the bunch’s transverse size and intricate current profile with multiple peaks and unprecedented detail.
The research shows that the electron bunch has a transverse size of less than 30 micrometers and a complex multi-peak current profile. The peak 3D number density is ∼ 9 × 1021 m-3. This new method could improve our understanding of laser-wakefield acceleration and unlock its full potential for diverse applications in optics and photonics.
This innovative method paves the way for refined control over laser-wakefield acceleration, which will unlock its potential in several optics and photonics applications. As researchers continue to optimize this powerful technique, we can anticipate advancements in medical imaging and materials science.
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