Generation of ultrashort electron bunches using table-top laser-plasma-based electron accelerators

Abstract

As an ultrashort high-intensity laser pulse propagates in a plasma, an electron plasma wave with relativistic phase velocity is excited by stimulated Raman forward scattering instability. A low emittance, relativistic electron beam is produced when the electron plasma wave traps and accelerates hot background electrons. Such an electron beam itself, or an ultrashort x-ray pulse generated from it, can be used for studying ultrafast science.