A Z-Pinch Plasma Lens for Focusing High-Energy Particles in an Accelerator

The high azimuthal magnetic field of a current-carrying plasma column (z-pinch) can be used to collect and focus high-energy charged particles in accelerators. The beam optics and the apparent advantages of such a linear lens compared with conventional focusing devices, such as magnets and magnetic horns, are described. When a plasma lens shall be operated in routine accelerator runs, the physics of the plasma dynamics must be largely understood and the technology has to be mastered. The results of plasma dynamics measurements and of long-term behavior tests with a plasma lens for antiproton collection are reported. The problems of the plasma dynamics control and of the plasma-wall interaction are discussed in view of the envisaged performance for antiproton collection.