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arXiv · 2512.10728

Optimized matching conditions for self-guided laser wakefield accelerators

P. Valenta·K. G. Miller·B. K. Russell·M. Lamač·M. Jech·G. M. Grittani·S. V. Bulanov
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Abstract

We revisit the matching conditions for self-guided laser pulse propagation in plasma and refine their formulation to maximize the energy of electrons produced via laser wakefield acceleration. Bayesian optimization, combined with particle-in-cell simulations carried out in a quasi-three-dimensional geometry and a Lorentz-boosted frame, is employed. The optimization identifies the maximum electron energy that a self-guided laser wakefield accelerator, driven by a laser of a given energy, can produce, together with the corresponding acceleration distance. Our results further demonstrate that electrons with energies close to the maximum value can be obtained across a relatively wide range of input parameters and without the need for their precise tuning. This provides substantial flexibility for experimental implementation and significantly relaxes the operational constraints associated with self-guided laser wakefield accelerators.

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P. Valenta, K. G. Miller, B. K. Russell, M. Lamač, M. Jech, G. M. Grittani, S. V. Bulanov. 2025-12-11. Optimized matching conditions for self-guided laser wakefield accelerators. https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-2153%2Fae51e0

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