CERN Accelerating science

In the AWAKE experiment a high-power laser pulse ionizes rubidium atoms inside a 10 m long vapor cell thus creating a plasma for proton-driven wakefield acceleration of electrons. Propagating co-axial with the SPS proton beam the laser pulse seeds the self-modulation instability within the proton bunch on the front of plasma creation. The same laser will also generate UV-pulses for production of a witness electron beam using an RF-photoinjector. The experimental area formerly occupied by CNGS facility is being modified to accommodate the AWAKE experiment. A completely new laser laboratory was built, taking into account specific considerations related to underground work. The requirements for AWAKE laser installation have been fulfilled and vacuum beam lines for delivery of laser beams to the plasma cell and RF-photoinjector have been constructed. First results of laser beam hardware commissioning tests following the laser installation will be presented.