Plasma Channels and Accelerator Applications — A Tutorial

Abstract

A plasma channel is a narrow preionized column of plasma that can be used for a number of accelerator applications. Plasma channels play a crucial role in the laser wakefield accelerator (LWFA), where they may provide the acceleration medium as well as guiding of the intense laser pulse and accelerated electron bunch. This paper will review methods for producing plasma channels, optical guiding in channels, and the application of channels to the LWFA. The potential advantages of using long plasma channels in the plasma wakefield accelerator (PWFA) will also be discussed.