Femtosecond single-bunched linac for pulse radiolysis based on laser wakefield acceleration

A conceptual design of a linac for pulse radiolysis is presented based on laser wakefield acceleration. Pulse radiolysis spectroscopically studies the initial stage of chemical reactions induced by electron beams. Single-bunched beams with a bunch-length on the order of a femtosecond are ideal for this purpose. The present design gives pure 20 pC single-bunches with an RMS bunch length of less than 10 fs. It accelerates and compresses only the head part of a high-current beam from a photocathode. Some practical problems concerning the design are also presented.