Abstract

A free-electron laser (FEL) oscillator driven by an rf linear accelerator (linac) appears feasible for the extreme- and vacuum-ultraviolet wavelength spectrum from 50 to 200 nm. The design of such a system is projected from the anticipated successful use of rf linacs at high peak currents (~100 A) in forthcoming FEL oscillator experiments at infrared and visible wavelengths by Los Alamos and Boeing/Mathematical Sciences Northwest. An important feature of the linac approach is that electrons pass through the undulator magnet only once, but their energy may be recovered in a separate decelerating structure and fed back into the primary accelerator. Another advantage is the option of unrestricted undulator length. The short pulse duration (10–40 ps) of the laser emission will find application in time-resolved experiments.

© 1984 Optical Society of America