Universal Spin Control of Leptons and Ions via a Laser-Driven Unipolar Surface Wave
Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 125001 – Published 15 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/cf8g-xbds
Abstract
Manipulating the spin of ultrarelativistic charged particle beams is a cornerstone of high-energy physics, yet its practical implementation has been limited by intrinsic energy dependence and a lack of universality across particle species. Here, we introduce the concept of a “unipolar surface wave spin rotator” that overcomes these barriers. In this scheme, a laser-driven, unipolar surface wave generates an extreme traveling electromagnetic impulse which imparts a unidirectional spin kick to a counterpropagating charged particle beam without requiring phase matching. We theoretically show that spin rotation from transverse to longitudinal polarization achieves efficiency within 25 mm for both leptons and ions, and across an energy range from GeV to TeV while preserving beam quality. This approach establishes a new paradigm for universal spin manipulator in future particle accelerators.