Coherent Electron Acceleration by Subcycle Laser Pulses

Abstract
Analytic three dimensional solutions for electromagnetic waves correct even for subcyclic pulses have been obtained. It is demonstrated analytically and via 1–2/2 dimensional PIC (particle in cell) simulations that the irradiation of an intense subcyclic pulse on a thin plasma layer gives rise to a pickup of all plasma electrons on the spot, accelerates them over a small distance, and leads to a short, coherent, and ultracold electron beam.