Abstract
This paper details our study of a laser-beat-wave photoinjector that is capable of generating periodically bunched MeV electrons with a bunching factor larger than 0.1 at THz frequencies, for a total amount of 1 nC charges in a 10 ps time duration. Also described is a driver laser technology that can tune the electron bunch frequency with ease, as well as help the growth of high harmonics in the bunching spectrum of accelerated electrons. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.