High density plasma source for plasma lens experiments

Experimental results of the study of a candidate source for high-energy particle beam underdense plasma lens experiments are presented. The high density plasma is based an the operation of the back-lighted thyratron. A 100% ionized hydrogen plasma with density of 1.7×10¹⁶ cm^-3 homogeneous in space and monotonically varying in time with a time scale on the order of μsecs is straightforwardly achievable. The desired plasma density for lens experiments can be achieved very simply by controlling either the applied voltage, the beam entry time or other parameters. This scheme presents a simple device with the ability to support a plasma with density ranging from 10¹² cm^-3 to above 10¹⁶ cm^-3. The structure also facilitates the particle beam entry and the components are vacuum compatible. The device is small, simple, robust,easy to adjust, can be operated at high repetition rates, and has a long life time