Novel fast simulation technique for axisymmetric plasma wakefield acceleration configurations in the blowout regime

Abstract

In the blowout regime of plasma wakefield acceleration (PWFA), which is the most relevant configuration for current and future applications and experiments, the plasma flow that is excited by the ultrarelativistic drive beam is highly nonlinear. Thus, fast and accurate simulation codes are indispensable tools in the study of this extremely important problem. We have developed a novel algorithm that deals with the propagation of axisymmetric bunches of otherwise arbitrary profile through a cold plasma of uniform density. In contrast to the existing PWFA simulation tools, our code plebs (plasma-electron beam simulations) uses a new computational scheme which ensures that the transverse and longitudinal directions are completely decoupled—a feature which significantly enhances the speed and robustness of the new method. Our numerical results are benchmarked against the QuickPIC code and excellent agreement is established between the two approaches. Moreover, our new technique provides a very convenient framework for studying issues such as beam loading and short-range wakefields within the plasma cavity.