arXiv subjects

Zoltán Tibai

Publications and source records attributed to Zoltán Tibai.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A novel accelerating structure based on a tapered parallel-plate waveguide with an integrated dielectric terahertz-driven accelerator

We present a novel dielectric terahertz-driven accelerator (DTA) that integrates a dual-pillar grating structure within a tapered parallel-plate waveguide (TPPWG). This compact setup enables efficient particle acceleration using multi-cycle, narrowband terahertz (THz) pulses. The TPPWG serves a dual role: it enhances the THz field via geometric tapering and delivers it to the dielectric structure by efficient coupling. Experimental validation of the THz field inside the waveguide is conducted using electro-optic sampling. Optimization of waveguide parameters through time-domain simulations reveals a sixfold peak electric field amplification at the end of the waveguide. The dielectric accelerator is tailored for maximum acceleration by adjusting the DTA pillar radius and vacuum channel gap for relativistic electron beams. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations demonstrate that the structure supports net acceleration with gradients up to 120 MeV per m for 0.1 GV per m field strengths, and can accommodate bunch charges up to 10 pC with minimal degradation. Energy spread evolution and beam dynamics are discussed in detail, including the role of phase slippage and bunch length. This work establishes the DTA-integrated TPPWG as a compact and scalable platform for high-gradient THz-driven acceleration, combining simple fabrication and design, strong field enhancement, and compatibility with existing electron sources. It opens new pathways toward practical, tabletop accelerators for scientific and industrial applications.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2025

Charge separation by standing waves of strongly focused single-cycle terahertz pulses for particle acceleration

Electron and ion acceleration in laser beam driven gas and solid-state plasmas are well-known and thoroughly investigated. Here we propose and numerically investigate an ion acceleration scheme using the Coulomb explosion of ion bunches created by separating electron and ion bunches from gas plasma by the standing wave of counter-propagating THz/laser pulse pair(s). The low density and the supposed only few-cycle long THz/laser pulses ensure that much less complicated mechanisms play a role in the separation and acceleration processes, resulting in more predictable outcomes than for single-laser-beam-driven solid-state plasmas. The charge separation is investigated using the EPOCH PIC code. After the charge separation, the ion dynamics ar followed by the GPT code. Calculations predict the generation of relativistic electron bunches and ion bunches with sub-MeV average energy, and with distribution suitable for very efficient use of the accelerated ions in ultrashort-pulse neutron sources.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2024

Numerical Study on the Potential Enhancement of Organic Terahertz Sources through Tilted Pulse Front Pumping

Organic crystals offer promising potential for THz generation, but face limitations in wavelength tunability and damage threshold. By applying tilted pulse front pumping to organic crystals an additional degree of freedom is introduced into the pumping conditions enabling a wider range of pumping wavelengths without compromising phase matching. Additionally, the lifespan of organic materials can be extended by using longer pumping wavelength and eliminate lower-order multi-photon absorption, allowing for higher pumping intensity without significant free carrier absorption, thus increasing the damage threshold. Simulations predict significant improvement for four out of six investigated crystals when tilted pulse front pumping is applied. By using volume phase holographic grating one can achieve pulse front tilt in organic crystals in collinear geometry with high diffraction efficiency. Design parameters are also presented.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2022

Emittance self-compensation in blow-out mode

We report an unusual regime of emittance self-compensation in an electron bunch generated in blow-out mode by a radio-frequency photocathode gun. Simulations clearly show an initial growth and a subsequent self-compensation of projected emittance in a divergent electron bunch originating from the effects of: (i) strong space-charge forces of mirror charges on the cathode, (ii) an energy chirp in the bunch and (iii) substantial re-shaping of the electron bunch. Furthermore, we show analytically and numerically how a complex interplay between these effects leads to emittance self-compensation in free space -- the effect that is normally observed only in a focusing magnetic field.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2021

Nanometre-scale emittance beams from a continuous-wave RF gun

The operation of Ultrafast Electron Diffractometers (UEDs) and Free-Electron Lasers (FELs) relies on high-brightness electron beams produced by radio-frequency (RF) photocathode guns. The next generation of high-repetition rate UEDs and FELs requires electron beams with a high average brightness. To this end, we introduce a continuous wave RF photocathode gun at 325 MHz with an APEX-like geometry. The gun allows for the production of electron beams with very high both peak and average 5D brightness while having moderate RF power consumption. The gun is operated in blowout regime with an energy gain of 0.4 MeV and a peak cathode field of 35 MV/m. Via massive numerical simulations, we exemplify three regimes of the gun operation: (i) 160 fC electron beams with a 5-nm-scale emittance for UEDs, (ii) 1.6 pC beams with a 20-nm-scale emittance for table-top FELs and dielectric-based accelerators, and (iii) 16 pC beams with a 50-nm-scale emittance for inverse Compton sources and other accelerator-based photon sources. We introduce a simple analytical model for the formation of the virtual cathode - the onset of the suppression of photoemission current due to space-charge forces. The model accounts for the laser pulse duration. Furthermore, our extensive numerical simulations indicate a well-pronounced maximum in the 5D beam brightness for the laser spot radius approximately 150% of that corresponding to the onset of the virtual cathode. The finding does not support the common approach in the literature that in the blowout regime the laser spot radius must be much larger than the critical radius corresponding to the virtual cathode onset.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2017

Single-cycle attosecond pulses by Thomson backscattering of terahertz pulses

The generation of single-cycle attosecond pulses based on Thomson scattering of terahertz (THz) pulses is proposed. In the scheme, a high-quality relativistic electron beam produced by a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator (LPWA), is sent through suitable magnetic devices to produce ultrathin electron layers for coherent Thomson backscattering of intense THz pulses. According to numerical simulations, single-cycle attosecond pulse generation is possible with up to 1 nJ energy. The waveform of the attosecond pulses closely resembles that of the THz pulses. This allows for a flexible waveform control of attosecond pulses.

physics.optics↗