Influence of properties of the Gaussian laser pulse and magnetic field on the electron acceleration in laser–plasma interactions

In this paper, by using the hydrodynamics fluid equations in underdense plasma and Maxwell's equations, the general equation for the wake potential, which can be directly used for different envelopes of optical laser pulse, is obtained. The analytical solution of the equation for the Gaussian short-intense laser pulse is also acquired. It is shown that the wake field, which leads to electron acceleration, depends on intensity, length, frequency and energy of pulse and the electron number density. We also investigate the generation of wake field and the energy gain acquired by an electron in the plasma in the presence or absence of external magnetic field. It is shown that the efficiency of wake field is increased in the presence of an external magnetic field.

► General equation of the wake potential is obtained.
► Analytical solution for the Gaussian short-intense laser pulse is obtained.
► Solution depends on intensity, length, frequency and energy of pulse.
► Solution also depends on electron number and the external magnetic field.
► It is shown that electric wake field is maximum for special values of quantities.