Experimental Test For Novel Vacuum Laser Acceleration at the BNL‐ATF

A recently developed theoretical model revealed that the injection electrons with low‐energy (5–20 MeV) and small incident angle (θ∼0.1) relative to the laser propagation direction can be captured and significantly accelerated in a strong laser field (a0 ⩾4), and the energy gain can reach a few GeV with a0 >100. To verify the novel VLA mechanics, we propose to use the BNL‐ATF Terawatt CO2 laser and a high‐brightness electron beam to carry out a proof‐of‐principle beam experiment. Conditions for the beam test are investigated. Simulation results with practical ATF parameters are presented. Experiment setup including the laser injection optics and electron extraction system is described. Diagnostics to measure angular distribution and energy spectrum of output electrons are discussed.