Optimization Studies of a Multi-GeV Single Stage Laser-Plasma Accelerator

Using a self-consistent Hamiltonian model of beam transport in a background plasma\footnote{\frenchspacing B. A. Shadwick, G. M. Tarkenton and C. B. Schroeder, Bull. Am. Phys. Soc., \textbf{50}, 283 (2005).}, we consider the design of a single stage, multi-GeV plasma accelerator. In this model the beam is described by phase-space moments and the bulk plasma is taken to be a cold fluid. We present a detailed study of beam propagation in a resonant laser-wakefield accelerator with final energy gain between 5 and 10 GeV. We discuss optimization of the system with regard to energy gain and beam quality.