Abstract
The free-electron laser (FEL) is a device, tunable in frequency that involves the stimulated backscatter of a pump wave from the “free” particles of a relativistic electron beam. The chapter provides an overview of the radiation processes relating to the scattering of electromagnetic waves from relativistic electron beams. It provides a historical review of scattering research, and develops basic expressions and concepts. Some physical principles associated with intense relativistic electron beams are presented followed by a brief overview of high-voltage pulsed-power technology. A general theory for both the two- and three-wave stimulated scattering process for a cold relativistic electron beam is presented. After examining the temporal behavior of an amplified electromagnetic wave, the question of efficiency is considered. The chapter concludes with a Vlasov formulation of the gain for a beam of finite temperature. It deals first with a description of apparatus and diagnostic methods; next, the results of traveling wave stimulated scattering experiments that involve the growth of amplified noise are discussed. And finally, a detailed review and interpretation is given on the results of the collective FEL oscillator experiment.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
