Operating modes of dual-grating dielectric laser accelerators

Abstract

In this work, we present a comprehensive theoretical description of the Lorentz force in dual-grating dielectric laser accelerators (DLA). Here we examine the dual-grating DLA under arbitrary illumination conditions, both single-side and dual-side drive. We improve upon previous descriptions of these forces by providing a unified description of all possible operating modes of these devices, and classify the modes into three categories. In particular, we predict the existence of the previously observed “line modes” and a novel “elliptical mode”, provide an experimental demonstration of this new mode, and suggest a possible application for it in improving the resolution of attosecond-scale streak cameras. Finally, we examine several complementary methods of tuning a dual-grating DLA to a desired operating mode—particularly dual-drive phase rotation and translational offset of the grating teeth.