RESUMO
Self-amplified spontaneous emission in a free-electron laser has been proposed for the generation of very high brightness coherent x-rays. This process involves passing a high-energy, high-charge, short-pulse, low-energy-spread, and low-emittance electron beam through the periodic magnetic field of a long series of high-quality undulator magnets. The radiation produced grows exponentially in intensity until it reaches a saturation point. We report on the demonstration of self-amplified spontaneous emission gain, exponential growth, and saturation at visible (530 nanometers) and ultraviolet (385 nanometers) wavelengths. Good agreement between theory and simulation indicates that scaling to much shorter wavelengths may be possible. These results confirm the physics behind the self-amplified spontaneous emission process and forward the development of an operational x-ray free-electron laser.
RESUMO
The considerable intensity of Advanced Photon Source (APS) undulator A as a source of high-energy X-rays permits the performance of numerous types of experiments that require such photon energies. Measured and calculated properties, in the 50-200 keV range, of the X-ray beam from undulator A, installed in sector 1 of the APS, are presented. The flux spectra observed at various gaps agree well with calculations that incorporate the actual magnetic field within the device and the emittance and energy spread of the stored positrons. The field errors and energy spread cause the X-ray beam to lose undulator radiation properties at high energies, as seen in the smeared-out spectral harmonics and increased beam divergence, giving resemblance to a low-K wiggler source. Owing to the wiggler-like behavior in this photon-energy range, the optimal operating condition for undulator A is in the vicinity of the closed-gap setting, corresponding to a maximum critical energy.
