Computer modeling using the particle-in-cell method confirmed that self-acc
eleration by induction of a high-current relativistic electron beam predict
ed by G. A. Askar'yan [At. Energ. 6, 658 (1959)] may occur when this beam p
asses through a thick diaphragm containing an aperture. (C) 1999 American I
nstitute of Physics. [S1063-7850(99)02507-0].