Electron beam modulation using a laser-driven photocathode

J. G. Neumann, P. G. O'Shea, D. Demske, W. S. Graves, B. Sheehy, H. Loos, G. L. Carr

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Coherent synchrotron radiation may lead to a microwave instability on an electron bunch at wavelengths much smaller than the bunch length. It is possible that ripples (prebunching) on the electron bunch distribution may seed this instability. We report on research exploring this effect using a longitudinally modulated drive laser to generate a modulated electron beam. Our first step is to develop simulations that will help us study the beam generation process using PARMELA. Preliminary experiments on laser beam and electron beam modulation, conducted at the Source Development Laboratory at the National Synchrotron Light Source, show modulation at frequencies in the terahertz regime is attainable. Longitudinal prebunching may enhance the performance of FEL or other radiative devices in the terahertz regime. Alternatively, longitudinal control over the electron beam might be an effective method of suppressing coherent synchrotron radiation instabilities that cause beam break-up.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)498-501
Number of pages4
JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Volume507
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 11 2003
Externally publishedYes
EventProceedings of the 24th International Free Electron Laser Conference - Argonne, IL, United States
Duration: Sep 9 2002Sep 13 2002

Keywords

  • Electron beam modulation
  • Free-electron devices
  • Prebunching

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Instrumentation

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