Coherent radiation sources based on laser driven plasma waves

Abstract

Here we explore ways of converting laser radiation into coherent electromagnetic radiation using laser-driven plasma waves. Several schemes are presented, including colliding laser pulses in magnetized plasma and utilizing ultra-short electron bunches from laser wakefield accelerators to produce intense single-cycle pulses through coherent transition radiation and few-cycle coherent synchrotron radiation in undulators and plasma channels. These sources rely on high current electron bunches with femtosecond durations, which can result in radiation over a broad range of frequencies from 1 to 105 THz.