Single-Shot Characterization of Plasmas Generated by 17 TW 37 fs Laser Pulses

Single-shot measurement of plasma parameters is very important in laser wakefield acceleration research aiming to generate compact high-quality fermosecond electron beams. To achieve the efficient and stable monoenergetic acceleration of plasma electrons, effects of laser prepulses, plasma density gradients, wave-breaking processes, laser pulse instability, and energy spectra of accelerated electrons have to be measured simultaneously, granting reproducible laser pulse parameters. A strong correlation between the laser prepulse forming the plasma cavity and electron acceleration has been experimentally confirmed.