Generation of Relativistic Electron Bunches with Arbitrary Current Distribution via Transverse-to-Longitudinal Phase Space Exchange

We propose a general method for tailoring the current distribution of relativistic electron bunches. The technique relies on a recently proposed method to exchange the longitudinal phase space emittance with one of the transverse emittances. The method consists of transversely shaping the bunch and then converting its transverse profile into a current profile via a transverse-to-longitudinal phase-space-exchange beamline. We show that it is possible to tailor the current profile to follow, in principle, any desired distributions. We demonstrate, via computer simulations, the application of the method to generate trains of microbunches with tunable spacing and linearly-ramped current profiles. We also briefly explore potential applications of the technique.Comment: 13 pages, 17 figure

Observation of Coherently-Enhanced Tunable Narrow-Band Terahertz Transition Radiation from a Relativistic Sub-Picosecond Electron Bunch Train

We experimentally demonstrate the production of narrow-band ($\delta f/f \simeq20$% at $f\simeq 0.5$ THz) THz transition radiation with tunable frequency over [0.37, 0.86] THz. The radiation is produced as a train of sub-picosecond relativistic electron bunches transits at the vacuum-aluminum interface of an aluminum converter screen. We also show a possible application of modulated beams to extend the dynamical range of a popular bunch length diagnostic technique based on the spectral analysis of coherent radiation.Comment: 3 pages, 6 figure

Production of relativistic electron bunch with tunable current distribution

We propose a novel method for tailoring the current distribution of relativistic electron bunches. The technique relies on a recently proposed transverse-to-longitudinal phase space exchange. The bunch is transversely shaped and the phase space exchange mechanism converts this transverse profile into a current profile. The technique provides a tool for generating arbitrary current profiles in a tunable fashion.We demonstrate, via computer simulations, the method and its application to tailor specific current profiles such as, e.g., linearly ramped profiles and train of femtosecond micro-bunches that have application in plasma and dielectric wakefield accelerators

Impact of transverse irregularities at the photocathode on the production of high-charge electron bunches

The properties of electron beams produced in a photoinjector are strongly dependent on the initial conditions, i.e. the photocathode drive laser shape and its uniformity. We explore the impact of well-defined transverse laser perturbations on the evolution of the electron beam both in configuration and velocity spaces and especially investigate how certain types of perturbations evolve as the beam propagates in the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility. Numerical simulations performed with IMPACT-T are presented. Finally preliminary experimental results aimed at validating our simulations are discussed

Experimental Observation of Energy Modulation in Electron Beams Passing Through Terahertz Dielectric Wakefield Structures

We report observation of a strong wakefield induced energy modulation in an energy-chirped electron bunch passing through a dielectric-lined waveguide. This modulation can be effectively converted into a spatial modulation forming micro-bunches with a periodicity of 0.5 - 1 picosecond, hence capable of driving coherent THz radiation. The experimental results agree well with theoretical predictions.Comment: v3. Reviewers' suggestions incorporated. Accepted by PR

Verification of the AWA Photoinjector Beam Parameters Required for a Transverse-to-Longitudinal Emittance Exchange Experiment

A transverse-to-longitudinal emittance exchange experiment is in preparation at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA). The experiment aims at exchanging a low ({var_epsilon}{sub z} < 5 {micro}m) longitudinal emittance with a large ({var_epsilon}{sub x} > 15 {micro}m) transverse horizontal emittance for a bunch charge of {approx}100 pC. Achieving such initial emittance partitioning, though demonstrated via numerical simulations, is a challenging task and needs to be experimentally verified. In this paper, we report preliminary emittance measurements of the beam in the transverse and longitudinal planes performed at {approx}12 MeV. The measurements are compared with numerical simulations

Measurement and Simulation of Space Charge Effects in a Multi-Beam Electron Bunch from an RF Photoinjector

We report on a new experimental study of the space charge effect in a space-charge-dominated multi-beam electron bunch. A 5 MeV electron bunch, consisting of a variable number of beamlets separated transversely, was generated in a photoinjector and propagated in a drift space. The collective interaction of these beamlets was studied for different experimental conditions. The experiment allowed the exploration of space charge effects and its comparison with three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Our observations also suggest the possible use of a multibeam configuration to tailor the transverse distribution of an electron beam

Observation of transverse space charge effects in a multi-beamlet electron bunch produced in a photo-emission electron source

A 'multiple beamlet' experiment aimed at investigating the transverse space charge effect was recently conducted at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator. The experiment generated a symmetric pattern of 5 beamlets on the photocathode of the RF gun with the drive laser. We explored the evolution of the thereby produced 5 MeV, space-charge dominated electron beamlets in the 2m drift following the RF photocathode gun for various external focusing. Two important effects were observed and benchmarked using the particle-in-cell beam dynamics code IMPACT-T. In this paper, we present our experimental observation and their benchmarking with Impact-T

Limiting Effects in the Transverse-to-Longitudinal Emittance Exchange Technique for Low Energy Relativistic Electron Beams

Transverse to longitudinal phase space manipulation hold great promises, e.g., as a potential technique for repartitioning the emittances of a beam. A proof-of-principle experiment to demonstrate the exchange of a low longitudinal emittance with a larger transverse emittance is in preparation at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator using a {approx}12 MeV electron beam. In this paper we explore the limiting effects of this phase space manipulation method including high order and collective effects. A realistic start-to-end simulation of the planned proof-of-principle experiment including sensitivity studies is also presented