Spectral and dynamical features of the electron bunch accelerated by a short-pulse high intensity laser in an underdense plasma

The results of the theoretical consideration and two-dimensional particle in cell simulation of electron acceleration with a short-pulse intense laser propagating through a finite length underdense plasma layer are presented. The fast electron energy spectrum and emittance are analyzed for moderate to high intensity and for different plasma density. It is shown that for laser pulse lengths above the plasma wake wavelength the wakefield accelerated electrons are further accelerated by the electromagnetic wave. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.