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First ultraviolet high-gain harmonic-generation free-electron laser.
1National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA. lhyu@bnl.gov
Physical Review Letters
|August 26, 2003
Summary
This study presents the first experimental results of a high-gain harmonic-generation (HGHG) free-electron laser (FEL) in the ultraviolet spectrum. The HGHG FEL successfully generated saturated 266 nm radiation using an 800 nm seed laser.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Laser Science
- Quantum Electronics
Background:
- Free-electron lasers (FELs) are powerful sources of tunable coherent radiation.
- High-gain harmonic-generation (HGHG) is a technique to produce FEL radiation at shorter wavelengths.
- Operating FELs in the ultraviolet (UV) range presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first experimental demonstration of a high-gain harmonic-generation free-electron laser (HGHG FEL) operating in the ultraviolet.
- To validate theoretical predictions for HGHG FEL performance at UV wavelengths.
- To characterize the output radiation properties of the UV HGHG FEL.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an 800 nm seed laser derived from a Ti:sapphire laser.
- Employed the high-gain harmonic-generation (HGHG) mechanism within a free-electron laser (FEL) setup.
- Operated the FEL to produce third-harmonic radiation at 266 nm.
Main Results:
- Achieved saturated amplified radiation at 266 nm (third harmonic).
- Confirmed stable central wavelength of the generated UV radiation.
- Observed narrow bandwidth and small pulse-energy fluctuations in the output.
Conclusions:
- The experimental results validate the feasibility and performance predictions of HGHG FELs in the ultraviolet.
- The demonstrated UV HGHG FEL offers a stable, narrow-bandwidth, and low-fluctuation radiation source.
- This work paves the way for advanced applications requiring coherent UV radiation from FELs.