Terahertz (THz)-based electron acceleration has potential as a technology for next-generation cost-efficient compact electron sources. Here we present a novel millimeter-scale multicell waveguide-based THz-driven photogun that exploits field enhancement to boost the electron energy, a movable cathode to achieve precise control over the accelerating phase as well as multiple cells for exquisite beam control. The short driving wavelength enables a peak acceleration gradient as high as ~3 GV m−1. Using microjoule-level single-cycle THz pulses, we demonstrate electron beams with up to ~14 keV electron energy, 1% energy spread and ~0.015 mm mrad transverse emittance. With a highly integrated rebunching cell, the bunch is further compressed by about ten times to 167 fs with ~10 fC charge. High-quality diffraction patterns of single-crystal silicon and projection microscopy images of the copper mesh are achieved. We are able to reveal the transient radial electric field developed from the charged particles on a copper mesh after photoexcitation with high spatio-temporal resolution, providing a potential scheme for plasma-based beam manipulation. Overall, these results represent a new record in energy, field gradient, beam quality and control for a THz-driven electron gun, enabling real applications in electron projection microscopy and diffraction. This is therefore a critical step and milestone in the development of all-optical THz-driven electron devices, validating the maturity of the technology and its use in precision applications.
The generation and use of THz radiation for electron acceleration and manipulation of electron bunches has progressed over the last decade to a level where practical devices for THz guns, acceleration and a wide range of beam manipulations have become possible. Here, we present our progress on generation of single-cycle THz pulses at the two-hundred micro- Joule level to drive advanced acceleration and beam manipulation devices. Specifically, we use pulses centered at 0.3 THz to power a segmented terahertz electron accelerator and manipulator (STEAM) capable of performing multiple high-field operations on the 6D-phase-space of ultrashort electron bunches. Using this STEAM device, we demonstrate record THzacceleration of >60 keV, streaking with <10 fs resolution, focusing with >2 kT/m strength, compression to ~100 fs as well as real-time switching between these modes of operation. The STEAM device demonstrates the feasibility of THz-based electron accelerators, manipulators and diagnostic tools enabling science beyond current resolution frontiers with transformative impact.
The generation and use of THz radiation for electron acceleration and manipulation of electron bunches has progressed over the last decade to a level where practical devices for THz guns, acceleration and a wide range of beam manipulations have become possible. Here, we present on our progress to generated single-cycle THz pulses at the twohundred micro- Joule level to drive advanced acceleration and beam manipulation devices. Specifically, a segmented terahertz electron accelerator and manipulator (STEAM) capable of performing multiple high-field operations on the 6D-phase-space of ultrashort electron bunches is demonstrated using these pulses. Using this device, powered by single-cycle, 0.3 THz pulses, we demonstrate record THz-acceleration of <60 keV, streaking with <10 fs resolution, focusing with <2 kT/m strength, compression to ~100 fs as well as real-time switching between these modes of operation. The STEAM device demonstrates the feasibility of THz-based electron accelerators, manipulators and diagnostic tools enabling science beyond current resolution frontiers with transformative impact.
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