Phase Space Dynamics of Electrons Traversing Laser Excited Plasma Waves

Summary form only given. Experiments are underway in our lab to study the interactions of low energy (5 to 50 keV) electrons that are injected transverse to laser excited plasma waves. Such plasma waves have been used by other researchers to accelerate electrons to high energies over short distances, when the electrons are injected collinearly. Transverse injection has been proposed as a way to diagnose the amplitude of the longitudinal electric fields of the plasma wave. We report on the results of computation studies on the phase space dynamics of electrons traversing the laser excited plasma wave. During the experiments, we expect the dynamics of the electrons to be affected by the plasma wave, as well as the CO2 excitation laser beam and a YAG diagnostic beam. Knowledge and control of the electron beam emittance is critical for diagnosing the electron beam as it exits the interaction region where the beams and plasma wave collide. Techniques for measuring the beam emittance are discussed. Also, studies on the effect of the power to the electron gun's thermionic cathode on the beam emittance are discussed.