Robust relativistic electron mirrors in laser wakefields for enhanced Thomson backscattering

Coherent Thomson backscattering from laser-driven relativistic ultra-thin electron layers

The generation of laser-driven dense relativistic electron layers from ultra-thin foils and their use for coherent Thomson backscattering is discussed, applying analytic theory and one-dimensional particlein-cell simulation. The blow-out regime is explored in which all foil electrons are separated from ions by direct laser action. The electrons follow the light wave close to its leading front. ...

Attosecond electron sheets and attosecond light pulses from relativistic laser wakefields in underdense plasmas

A method for producing dense attosecond electron sheets (tens nanometers thick corresponding to attosecond duration) and single intense attosecond light pulse is reported based on relativistic laser wakefields in underdense plasmas. By making use of gas targets this method allows for high repetition rates required for applications.

Electron acceleration in sub-relativistic wakefields driven by few-cycle laser pulses

Using particle-in-cell simulations, we study the interaction of few-mJ–fewcycle laser pulses with an underdense plasma at resonant density. In this previously unexplored regime, it is found that group velocity dispersion is a key ingredient of the interaction. The concomitant effects of dispersion and plasma nonlinearities cause a deceleration of the wakefield phase velocity, which becomes sub-...

Stimulated Backscattering From Relativistic Unmagnetized Electron Beams

Corrections to Laser Electron Thomson Scattering

Thomson scattering is the classical process of light being deflected by a charged obstacle of typical size smaller than the wavelength of the incident radiation. For definiteness we will henceforth assume the charge to be an electron and the incoming wave stemming from a laser beam. The scattered radiation may be viewed as resulting from a two-step process: (i) the acceleration of the charge du...