Application of plasma lenses in positron sources

Plasma lenses with focusing gradients in the order of 100 T/m and a remarkably simple design have been recently tested with the heavy-ion beam from the UNILAC accelerator at GSI. The properties of the plasma lens developed for these experiments such as size, focusing strength and beam optical properties makes it equally well suited for positron sources. The parameters and beam transport properties of such a plasma lens for positron sources are discussed and compared with conventional matching systems. The experimental results of the lens tests relevant for positron applications are compiled. A basic design of a positron source utilizing a plasma lens is presented, together with beam optical calculations for such a system. (author) 8 refs.; 3 figs.; 1 tab