Nonlinear laser-driven electron resonance acceleration in an inhomogeneous magnetic field.

Electron resonance acceleration by an intense laser pulse in an inhomogeneous external magnetic field is investigated. The acceleration mechanism makes use of electron cyclotron resonance to increase the electron energy. By appropriately tailoring the radial gradient of the magnetic field, an electron in the rising front part of laser pulse will be attracted toward the cyclotron-resonance radius and be trapped there, so that it can gain much energy. It is shown that the electron net energy gain can be up to the GeV level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]