Laser-based acceleration of nonrelativistic electrons at a dielectric structure

Breuer J, Hommelhoff P (2013)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2013

Journal

Physical Review Letters American Physical Society

Publisher: American Physical Society

Book Volume: 111

Pages Range: 134803

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.134803

Abstract

A proof-of-principle experiment demonstrating dielectric laser acceleration of nonrelativistic electrons in the vicinity of a fused-silica grating is reported. The grating structure is utilized to generate an electromagnetic surface wave that travels synchronously with and efficiently imparts momentum on 28 keV electrons. We observe a maximum acceleration gradient of 25 MeV/m. We investigate in detail the parameter dependencies and find excellent agreement with numerical simulations. With the availability of compact and efficient fiber laser technology, these findings may pave the way towards an all-optical compact particle accelerator. This work also represents the demonstration of the inverse Smith-Purcell effect in the optical regime. © 2013 American Physical Society.

Authors with CRIS profile

Peter Hommelhoff Lehrstuhl für Laserphysik

Involved external institutions

Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) / Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Breuer, J., & Hommelhoff, P. (2013). Laser-based acceleration of nonrelativistic electrons at a dielectric structure. Physical Review Letters, 111, 134803. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.134803

MLA:

Breuer, John, and Peter Hommelhoff. "Laser-based acceleration of nonrelativistic electrons at a dielectric structure." Physical Review Letters 111 (2013): 134803.

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