High-power free-electron lasers driven by r-f (radio-frequency) linear accelerators. Memorandum report (Interim)

Technical Report · Tue May 16 00:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:5648582

Godlove, T F; Sprangle, P

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 describes the technical issues and technology needed to achieve a visible light FEL driven by an rf linac. A recently installed linac at Boeing Aerospace is used as the principal illustrative example. Keywords: Free electron laser; Particle accelerator; RF linac; Strategic defense initiative; Electron beam. (jhd)

• Research Organization: Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5648582
• Report Number(s): AD-A-209740/0/XAB; NRL-MR-6463
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
ELECTRON BEAMS
RF SYSTEMS
FREE ELECTRON LASERS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
KINETIC ENERGY
LINEAR ACCELERATORS
NEAR INFRARED RADIATION
VISIBLE RADIATION
ACCELERATORS
BEAMS
CURRENTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENERGY
INFRARED RADIATION
LASERS
LEPTON BEAMS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
PARTICLE BEAMS
RADIATIONS
420300* - Engineering- Lasers- (-1989)