Accelerating Electrons with Light – laser-driven plasma wakefield acceleration

About the project

About the Project Project Background Laser wakefield acceleration has demonstrated the production of GeV-scale electron beams in centimeter-scale accelerators using plasma waves as a driver. These electron beams are uniquely short and compact and are useful for producing bright radiation from x-rays to gamma-rays, or even for conducting strong field QED experiments. Research at high power laser facilities around the world continues to improve the electron beams, increasing both the energy of the electrons through longer acceleration lengths and the quality of the beam through techniques such as controlled injection. One way to increase the acceleration length is to use pre-formed plasma channels formed by long line focusses, such as from an axicon lens. These plasma channels can act as optic fibres for guiding the laser pulses over long distances, resulting in a series of experiments measuring record-breaking electron energies from wakefield acceleration. Another option is to use these long line focusses to drive plasma waves themselves, where the effective speed of the plasma wave can be carefully controlled by changing the light going into the focussing optic. This can be used to both control injection and to maintain the quality of the electron beam through the course of the accelerator. These two techniques offer the opportunity to increase both the energy and the quality of the electron beam using optics such as an axicon lens. As laser wakefield acceleration produces great. Dr Arran and Dr Corner have worked on both experiments using an axicon lens to form a plasma-based optic-fibre and simulations of the plasma column formation and the wakefield it can drive (shown in Figure 1). Their research uses both high power laser facilities across the world and experiments at Daresbury Laboratory, in addition to simulations performed on high power computing clusters. Proposed Scheme of Work The student will start by modelling the interaction of the plasma with these kind of structured laser beams, alongside the Cockcroft Institute’s graduate training programme. This work with particle-in-cell codes (FBPIC, EPOCH) and fluid codes (FLASH) will enable them to understand laser wakefield experiments and to explore the plasma physics of these interactions. The student will learn what makes an effective particle accelerator and how to design these machines in practice. Next, the student will be involved in experiments both at high-power laser facilities worldwide and at Daresbury laboratory. The laser experiments with a collaboration of universities (York, Imperial, Queen’s University Belfast, and LLE in Rochester, as well as the Cockcroft), will enable the student to gain valuable experience of producing high energy electron beams in practice. Meanwhile, the student will have the chance to work on axicon-driven plasmas in the lab and to measure the plasma columns produced. By the end of their PhD, the student would be participating in proposals for competitive beamtime at international laser facilities, beginning their journey to research independence. They would be modelling how axicon drivers could lead to controlled injection and higher quality, high energy electron beams, and performing the first experiments to make this possible. The student would participate in a range of laser wakefield acceleration experiments and contribute to the Cockcroft’s novel accelerators strand by comparing guided and unguided laser drivers and different ways of controlling injection. Funding and eligibility: Upon acceptance of a student, this project will be funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council for 3.5 years. This consists of a tax free stipend at UKRI rates, university fees at the home (UK) rate, plus support for travel to conferences and workshops. A full package of training and support will be provided by the Cockcroft Institute, and the student will take part in a vibrant accelerator research and education community of over 150 people. Contact for further information: Dr. Chris Arran c.arran@lancaster.ac.uk How to apply: Apply at the Cockcroft Institute PhD webpage . For full consideration for funded awards, please apply by Jan 31st 2026. Anticipated Start Date: October 2026 for 3.5 Years

Research areas