Coherent THz synchrotron radiation from a storage ring with high-frequency RF system.

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Accelerator Science
• Optics

Background:

• Coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) generation in electron storage rings is crucial for various applications.
• Ring radio frequency (RF) system properties, including frequency and gap voltage, significantly influence CSR generation.
• High-frequency RF systems are being explored for enhanced CSR production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the generation of coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) in the terahertz (THz) regime using a high-frequency S-band RF system at the MIT-Bates South Hall Ring.
• To quantify the spectral intensity enhancement of CSR.
• To identify potential challenges, such as beam instabilities, for utilizing this technology.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the MIT-Bates South Hall Ring, equipped with a high-frequency S-band RF system.
• Measured CSR spectral intensity at wave numbers near 3 cm(-1) with a stored current of 2 mA.
• Observed and analyzed beam instabilities during the CSR generation process.

Main Results:

• Observed intense coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) approaching the terahertz (THz) frequency regime.
• Measured CSR spectral intensity enhancement up to 10,000 times above background.
• Uncovered significant beam instabilities that require suppression.

Conclusions:

• High-frequency RF systems can successfully generate intense CSR in the THz range.
• Beam instabilities present a critical challenge for the practical application of these high-frequency electron storage rings as coherent THz sources.
• Further research is needed to mitigate instabilities for viable THz source development.