Session B16 - Neutrino and Gamma Ray Astrophysics.
MIXED session, Saturday morning, April 29
202C, Convention Center
We report results of the first stage proof-of-principle demonstration of the ultra-high intensity laser synchrotron source (LSS) that combines a photocathode RF linac and a picosecond CO2 laser. Selection of such components is based on a systematic approach to optimize the LSS towards the maximum photon yield. Simultaneously, this approach opens a prospect to ultra-high peak intensity femtosecond x-ray and gamma sources. The 600 MW CO2 laser interacted in a head-on collision with the 60 MeV, 140 A, 3.5 ps electron beam. Both beams were focused to the r(rms)=32 um spot. 6.4*10^6 of the 1.8-2.3 Å x-ray photons per 3.5 ps pulse are detected in agreement with simulations that model the experimental conditions. Our next plan is to demonstrate 10^10 x-ray photons per pulse using a CO2 laser of the ~1 TW peak power. The next stage of the ATF LSS experiment will also open an opportunity for detailed study of Thomson harmonics generated on relativistic electron beams at the normalized laser strength of a~1.