Positron Production from Betatron X-rays in a Plasma
Abstract
An efficient method of generating positrons that does not have survivability problems is needed for the Next Linear Collider. Here we explore the plasma-betatron radiation induced positron source as an alternative to the bremstrahlung induced pair-production for future collider applications. As a dense electron beam is propagated through a long column of plasma, it expels plasma electrons and creates an ion column. The ions in turn exert a strong focusing force on the beam causing the emission of betatron radiation. The cut-off frequency of this radiation can far exceed the pair-creation threshold for short, intense high energy bunches such as those from the SLAC linac. The γ -rays thus produced, create pairs in a high Z target in the usual manner. Our method is particularly attractive because the electron beam only interacts with a plasma instead of with a solid target which is prone to heating/cracking. We are currently testing this idea on the Final Focus Test Beam at the Stanford Linear Center.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- October 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003APS..DPPFP1078J