Plasma Accelerators: Advances and Challenges

The Research Topic on Plasma Accelerators aims to capture the remarkable progress achieved in the field of plasma acceleration. In the last decade, many novel schemes have been proposed to overcome the drawbacks associated with plasma acceleration mechanisms. Today, the focus is on the advancements in accelerated beam quality and stability, which pave the way for the implementation of plasma-based user facilities. Notably, Compton scattering sources and Betatron radiation sources are among the compact sources gradually realizing their potential application.

Additionally, proof-of-principle achievements in compact free-electron lasing, utilizing both laser-driven and particle beam-driven technologies, have marked significant milestones. These light sources offer unparalleled advantages in terms of ultra-high brightness and miniaturization.

This Research Topic aims to explore and discuss the latest advancements and challenges in the field of plasma accelerators. Contributions are encouraged across all stages of plasma accelerators, both laser and particle driven, covering plasma and beam physics, applied technologies and their applications. These include the manipulation of plasma and beams involved in the accelerating process and optimization techniques using machine learning and advanced diagnostics.

Keywords: Plasma Physics, Plasma Accelerators, Laser Wakefield Acceleration, Beam-driven Plasma Wakefield Acceleration, Compact Particle Acceleration, Radiation Sources

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.