Abstract
Theoretical and experimental work in free electron laser (FEL) physics, and the physics of particle accelerators over the last 10 years has pointed to the possibility of the generation of MW-level optical beams with laser-like characteristics in the ultraviolet (UV) spectral range. The concept is based on generation of the radiation in the master oscillator–power FEL amplifier (MOPA) configuration. The FEL amplifier concept eliminates the need for an optical cavity. As a result, there are no thermal loading limitations to increase the average output power of this device up to the MW-level. The problem of a tunable master oscillator can be solved with available conventional quantum lasers. The use of a superconducting energy-recovery linac could produce a major, cost-effective facility with wall plug power to output optical power efficiency of about 20% that spans wavelengths from the visible to the deep ultraviolet regime. The stringent electron beam qualities required for UV FEL amplifier operation can be met with a conservative injector design (using a conventional thermionic gun and subharmonic bunchers) and the beam compression and linear acceleration technology, recently developed in connection with high-energy linear collider and X-ray FEL programs.
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