On the possibility of a 10/sup 16/ per cc density, 1 meter long plasma for accelerator applications

Summary form only given, as follows. Uniform, high density plasmas on the order of a few meters in length are needed for the next generation of plasma based particle accelerator boosters. Such plasmas are currently beyond the state of the art. We present the results of a feasibility study for producing a one meter long, uniform plasma with a density of 10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/ by laser ionization based on resonant saturation (LIBORS). Scaling laws relating plasma density and length, laser intensity and pulsewidth are found using a rate equation model developed by R.M. Measures et al. The status of initial experiments using a 30 cm lithium column is presented.