USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

The University of Chicago

Henry Philip Freund

Steven H Gold

Sandra Gail Biedron

Stephen Val Milton

Jose M Taccetti

Dean E Pershing

Robert H Jackson

A system and method for implementing a next generation laser-like light source with Free Electron Lasers (FELs) are provided whereby the construction of a Free Electron Laser (FEL) is customized through the use of individual modules having specified characteristics. Such individual modules include conventional lasers, electron guns, linear accelerators, magnetic bunch compressors and permanent magnet, hybrid, and electromagnetic, undulators or a combination of these undulators. These individual modules are arranged to exploit the occurring fundamental and nonlinear harmonics generated in each SP HG FEL to be used themselves as a light source, or alternatively to be a coherent seed for another module, such as, in high-gain harmonic generation (HGHG). An efficient method for producing shorter wavelengths of a synchrotron light source is provided. A three step process including imprinting, upconverting or wavelength shifting and reinforcing or strengthening of the electron beam microbunching is provided. The modular FEL is designed and constructed to meet specific user requirements in the most cost-effective manner. The modular single-pass, high-gain Free Electron Laser (SP HG FEL) significantly reduces the size and cost of FEL machines, obtains the shortest wavelength, has the ability to tune the output wavelength, and retains the coherence quality of the seed laser.

Modular approach to the next generation, short wavelength, laser-like light sources

An electromagnetic wiggler having a cylindrical member, and a central member disposed axially within the cylindrical member, both of which are formed from alternating cylindrical sections of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic material, each sequential pair of these sections being the length of the wiggler's period .lambda..sub.w. The sequence of sections between the inner and outer members is shifted .lambda..sub.w /2, so that ferromagnetic sections of the outer member are disposed radially opposite non-ferromagnetic sections of the inner member, and vice versa. The resultant radial magnetic flux density in the cylindrical gap between the members is larger and sharper than the flux density for the same wiggler without the central member, permitting higher radiated power output, at higher radiation frequencies, for the same energy of input electron beam.

Coaxial hybrid wiggler

A free electron laser for emitting coherent radiation. The laser includes a wiggler magnet for producing a spatially periodic magnetic field in a drift region into which relativistic electrons are injected in a predetermined direction. An axial magnet is provided which generates an axial magnetic field parallel to the above predetermined direction. The axial field is tapered in field strength within a uniform wiggler region, wherein the wiggler field is of uniform and constant magnitude, such that the tapered field acts to oppose the change in axial electron velocity resulting from the free electron laser interaction as electrons travel through the drift region. The tapered axial field acts to enhance power output and efficiency.

Free electron laser with tapered axial magnetic field

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Vienna, VA, United States of America

Henry Philip Freund