Investigation of the optimal condition for high acceleration efficiency in the laser wake-field acceleration

Abstract

The effects of various laser and plasma parameters on laser wake-field acceleration have been investigated with a two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation utilizing a moving window. The dynamics of an injected electron beam and the acceleration efficiency are reported for various driving lasers and beam parameters. The injection position of the electron beam and the initial intensity of the laser pulse have specific optimal values to enhance the acceleration efficiency. In the investigated parameter region, which yields no strong effect of the electron beam on the laser wake field, the acceleration efficiency increases with the total charge and with the initial energy of the electron beam. Also, the acceleration efficiency decreases with the incident angle of the electron beam with respect to the direction of laser propagation.