Imaging Laser wake fields by Thomson Scattering a Co-Propagating Pulse

Thomson scattering imaging (TSI) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated to observe the fine structure of the laser wake field. By Thomson scattering a co-propagating laser pulse, we obtain clear images indicating that the wake field is like an acaleph swimming behind the pump laser. The wavelength of the wake field observed at different electron densities agrees well with the theory. Since no mathematics transformation is involved, TSI could be potentially used as an online monitor for future 'tabletop' plasma accelerators.