Plasma based optics for electron beam fast micro-bunching

The utilization of plasma devices in beam transport is slowly being accepted as a worthy alternative thanks to its potential in maintaining or even reducing particle beams emittance but also for its compactness which supplements the recent advances in compact laser plasma acceleration systems. However, their use can go beyond the substitution of magnets. In this work, the utilization of a low density plasma device to micro-bunch electron beams through a "cascade focusing" caused by the beam generated wake inside the plasma. In addition, specialized particle in cell tools to study such phenomena over long distance (>cm) taking advantage of relativistic reference frames is swiftly presented. Such devices present a great potential for shortening future FEL facilities and increasing the efficiency of current.