Three-dimensional effects in the acceleration of test electrons in a relativistic electron plasma wave

The acceleration of test electrons in a relativistic electron plasma wave is computed. The plasma wave is either due to the beating of two laser beams or constitutes the wake of an ultrashort laser pulse. The plasma wave geometry reflects the geometry of the laser. The electron beam has a finite emittance. The parameters of the calculation correspond to experiments now in progress. This 3D model is able to predict the corresponding electron spectrum.