Energy efficiency of laser driven, structure based accelerators

Abstract

The acceleration efficiency of a laser driven linear accelerator is analyzed. The laser power, loss factor, and impedances determine the maximum charge that can be accelerated and the efficiency of that acceleration. The accelerator structure can be incorporated into a laser cavity. The equation for the resultant laser pulse is derived and analyzed. A specific example is presented, and the steady-state laser pulse shapes, acceleration efficiency, and average unloaded gradient are calculated. © 2004 The American Physical Society.