Experimental verification of laser photocathode RF gun as an injector for a laser plasma accelerator

The feasibility of the laser photocathode RF gun, BNL/GUN-IV, as an injector for a laser plasma accelerator was investigated at the subpicosecond S-band twin linac system of the Nuclear Engineering Research Laboratory, University of Tokyo. Electron beam energy of 16 MeV, emittance of 6/spl pi/ mm mrad, bunch length of 240 fs (FWHM), and charge per bunch of 350 pC were confirmed at 10 Hz. As for diagnosis of the femtosecond electron bunch, the quantitative comparison of performance of the femtosecond streak camera, the coherent transition radiation (CTR) Michelson interferometer, and the far-infrared polychromator was carried out. We concluded that the streak camera is the most reliable up to 200 fs and that the polychromator is the best for the shorter electron bunch. The 3.5-ps (rms) resolved synchronization between the YLF laser driver for the gun and the electron bunch was achieved. Based on the above experiences, we have designed and installed a much better laser-electron synchronization system using the Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:Sapphire laser with the min harmonics synchrolocker and the stable 15-MW klystron. The timing jitter is expected to be suppressed down to 320 fs (rms).