A proton laser accelerator by means of the inverse free electron laser mechanism
Abstract
The inverse free electron laser accelerator which is considered to be a potential high gradient electron accelerator is discussed. In this accelerator electrons oscillating in the magnetic field of a wiggler can gain energy from a strong laser beam propagating collinearly. The same mechanism of acceleration works for protons and all other heavier particles. It is expected that the proton acceleration will be less effective, as it is more difficult to wiggle a heavier particle. This less efficient coupling of the proton and laser beam is partly compensated by the negligible radiative losses. These losses impose restrictions on the electron acceleration above 100 GeV.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- July 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984STIN...8515163Z
- Keywords:
-
- Free Electron Lasers;
- Particle Accelerators;
- Proton Beams;
- Protons;
- Beams (Radiation);
- Laser Outputs;
- Lasers;
- Wiggler Magnets;
- Lasers and Masers