Laser wakefield-accelerated multi-GeV electrons using the Texas Petawatt Laser

Interaction of intense laser pulse and underdense plasma is a promising source for generating multi-GeV electrons beams within the compact confines of the lab. The quality of the electron beam, stability of the electron generation, and scalability to higher energies, are some of the challenges that are being met. We report on a laser wakefield acceleration experiment taking advantage of the powerful Texas Petawatt laser, and using relatively low plasma density together with ionization induced injection, to accelerate electrons. Self-focusing and self-guiding of the laser beam, self-injection and trapping of electrons, and some approaches to diagnostics of accelerated electrons are discussed.