Synchronous acceleration in the optical regime. Recent results and future directions of dielectric laser acceleration

Dielectric laser acceleration scales phase synchronous acceleration - proposed by Wideroee approximately 90 years ago and successfully employed within multitudes of accelerator facilities - to the optical regime. Within the last year, acceleration has been demonstrated in this new regime on multiple fronts (at different electron energies, laser wavelengths and laser pulse energies). The theory and recent demonstration of Dielectric Laser Acceleration of subrelativistic electrons is reviewed. Future directions of the FAU DLA project including proton acceleration, use of a 2 micron Th fiber laser, deflecting and focusing geometries and a laser-triggered electron source, are discussed.