Optimization and stabilization of a kilohertz laser-plasma accelerator

Laser–plasma acceleration at kilohertz repetition rates has recently been shown to work in two different regimes with pulse lengths of either 30 fs or 3.5 fs. We now report on a systematic study which large range durations and plasma densities were investigated through continuous tuning the laser spectral bandwidth. Indeed, laser–plasma accelerator (LPA) processes can be distinguished, where beams highest quality, charge 5.4 pC spectrum peaked 2–2.5 MeV, are obtained short pulses propagating moderate densities. Through particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, thoroughly explained. Finally, we proceed show results 5-h stable run our LPA accumulating more than 18 × 10 6 consecutive shots, 2.6 2.5 MeV spectrum. A parametric influence driver energy PIC simulations underlines that this unprecedented stability was thanks micro-scale density gradient injection. Together, these represent an important step toward accelerated electron rates.