Ultrahigh brightness beams from plasma photoguns

Abstract: Plasma photocathodes open a path towards tunable production of well-defined, compact electron beams with normalized emittance and brightness many orders of magnitude better than state-of-the-art. Such beams could have a far-reaching impact on applications such as light sources, but also open up new vistas on high energy physics and high field physics. We report on challenges and details of the proof-of-concept demonstration of a plasma photocathode in 90$^\circ$ geometry at SLAC FACET within the "E-210: Trojan Horse" program. Using this experience, alongside theoretical and simulation-supported advances, we discuss the upcoming "E-310: Trojan Horse-II" program at FACET-II.