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U.S. Department of Energy
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Free-electron laser with difraction grating resonator

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6632335
This patent describes a free-electron laser. It comprises: means for generating and directing a relativistic beam of electrons along a beam axis; means for applying spatially periodic deflections to electrons in the beam, in a direction transverse to the beam axis, to provide stimulated emission of light in a direction approximately coincident with the electron beam; and resonator means including multiple reflectors providing for repeated reflection of light within the resonator means at a nominal frequency, and means for coupling light out of the resonator means; wherein at least one of the multiple reflectors is a diffraction grating, having multiple parallel grating lines of which the spacing and orientation are selected to reflect a portion of radiation incident on the grating back along the resonator axis: such that angular movement of at least one of the reflectors about an axis parallel to the grating lines results in reestablishment of stable operation of the resonator means: the resonator axis being substantially coincident with the beam axis, the laser having a slightly different frequency of operating corresponding to a different angle of reflection.
Assignee:
TRW Inc., Redondo Beach, CA (USA)
Patent Number(s):
US 4933942; A
Application Number:
PPN: US s 7-383470
OSTI ID:
6632335
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English