Implementation of laser-plasma-based acceleration stages in user-oriented facilities requires the definition and deployment of appropriate diagnostic methodologies to monitor and control the acceleration process. An overview is given here of optical diagnostics for density measurement in laser-plasma acceleration stages, with emphasis on well-established and easily implemented approaches. Diagnostics for both neutral gas and free-electron number density are considered, highlighting real-time measurement capabilities. Optical interferometry, in its various configurations, from standard two-arm to more advanced common-path designs, is discussed, along with spectroscopic techniques such 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 high-quality GeV electron bunches.

We present the first steps of a design of the optimal parameters for a full Bragg X-Ray free electron laser (BX-FEL). Aiming towards a future source of coherent X-ray radiation, operating in the strong Compton regime, we envisage the system to be the seed for an advanced light source or compact medical X-ray source. Here we focus on the design of the accelerator parameters: maximum gradient, optimal accelerated charge, maximum efficiency, and ‘wake coefficient’, which relates to the decelerating electric field generated due to the motion of a charged-line or train of charged-lines. Specifically, we demonstrate that the maximum efficiency has optimal value and given the fluence of the materials, the maximum accelerated charge in the train is constant. These two results might be important in any future design.