Synchrotron Radiation From Laser-Accelerated Monoenergetic Electrons

• Published in: IEEE transactions on plasma science Vol. 36; no. 4; pp. 1773 - 1781
• Main Authors: Schlenvoigt, H.-P., Haupt, K., Debus, A., Budde, F., Jackel, O., Pfotenhauer, S., Gallacher, J.G., Brunetti, E., Shanks, R.P., Wiggins, S.M., Jaroszynski, D.A., Rohwer, E., Schwoerer, H.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.08.2008; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Accelerators; Charged-particle beams; Communication, education, history, and philosophy; Electromagnetism; electron and ion optics; Electrons; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Experiments; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Laser theory; Laser transitions; Laser-driven acceleration; Lasers; Light sources; Microscopy; Optical pulses; Photons; Physics; Physics literature and publications; Pump lasers; Radiation; Solid state circuits; Spectra; Synchrotron radiation; Synchrotron radiation instrumentation; Synchrotrons; Theory; Undulators; X- and γ-ray instruments and techniques; Monoenergetic beams; lasers; Experimental data; Electron beams; Electron accelerators; Accelerators; Radiation sources; Incoherent radiation; Theoretical study; Experimental study; Comparative study; Synchrotron radiation
• ISSN: 0093-3813; 1939-9375
• DOI: 10.1109/TPS.2008.927146

In this paper, we report on the generation of incoherent synchrotron radiation in the visible spectral range which is produced by laser-accelerated electrons with 55-75-MeV energy as they propagate through an undulator. Simultaneous detection of electron and photon spectra allows for precise comparison between experimental results and undulator theory. First- and second-order undulator radiation was detected. The agreement between experiment and theory and the exclusion of other effects proves that the observed radiation is generated in the undulator. Beyond that, this experiment introduces laser-accelerated electrons into the radio-frequency accelerator domain of synchrotron light sources. This marks a noticeable step toward a new, compact, and brilliant short-wavelength light source.