Implementation of laser-plasma based acceleration stages in user oriented facility requires the definition and deployment of proper diagnostic methodologies to monitor and control the acceleration process. An overview is given here about optical diagnostics for density measurement in laser-plasma acceleration stages, with emphasis on well established and easy to implement approaches. Diagnostics for both neutral gas and free-electron number density are considered, highlighting real-time measurement capability. Optical interferometry, in its various configurations from standard two-arm to more advanced common-path design are discussed, along with spectroscopic techniques as Stark broadening and Raman scattering. A critical analysis of the diagnostics presented is given concerning their implementation in laser-plasma acceleration stages for the production of GeV high-quality electron bunches.
Brandi Fernando, Gizzi Leonida. Optical diagnostics for density measurement in high-quality laser-plasma electron accelerators[J]. High Power Laser Science and Engineering, , (): .