Harmonics in a Quantum Free Electron Laser: Towards a compact, coherent γ-ray source

Abstract

Short-wavelength Free Electron Lasers (FELs), which have recently produced intense, hard X-rays are currently based on the concept of classical Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission (SASE). In order to extend the production of intense, coherent radiation to sub-Å wavelengths then an alternative to the conventional SASE-FEL concept will be necessary, as conventional SASE-FELs require long wigglers (~ 100 m) and large accelerators (~ km) and produce radiation which has poor temporal coherence. Recently, we have introduced the concept of the Quantum Free Electron Laser (QFEL). The QFEL is characterised by quantised electron momentum recoil and the emission of monochromatic, coherent radiation from a compact apparatus. This makes it appealing for applications requiring a high degree of temporal coherence. We show that a SASE-QFEL may offer the possibility to produce intense, coherent γ-rays via harmonic generation. This has the potential to open up new applications e.g. coherent interactions involving nuclear transitions.