High-Power Free-Electron Lasers Driven by RF Linear Accelerators

Abstract

The free electron laser (FEL) has been developed to the point where projections of its high-power capability have made it an important component of the directed-energy research program within the Strategic Defense Initiative. To achieve the desired near-visible wavelength and high intensity, stringent demands are placed on the electron beam that drives the FEL. Typical requirements are high peak current (0.2 to 2 kA) at a kinetic energy of 100 to 150 MeV, small energy spread (<1%), small diameter (<3mm), and low divergence (<0.1 mrad). Either an induction linear accelerator (linac) or an rf linac may be a suitable candidate to provide the electron beam. This review we describes the technical issues and technology needed to achieve a visible light FEL driven by an rf linac. A recently installed fr linac at Boeing Aerospace is used as the principal illustrative example.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 16, 1989
Accession Number
ADA209740

Entities

People

  • Phillip A. Sprangle
  • T. F. Godlove

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Electron Accelerators
  • Electron Beams
  • Electron Energy
  • Electrons
  • Free Electron Lasers
  • Free Electrons
  • Klystrons
  • Linear Accelerators
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Optomechanics
  • Particle Accelerators
  • Particle Physics
  • Physics
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Standards
  • Standing Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster