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Mirrors that are electron transparent for use in free-electron-laser oscillators
Optics Letters
|September 1, 2009
Summary
Gold-coated Mylar foils show no surface motion or damage when bombarded by a high-energy electron beam. This makes them suitable for use as end mirrors in free-electron-laser oscillators.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Laser Technology
Background:
- Free-electron-laser (FEL) oscillators require robust end mirrors capable of withstanding high-energy particle beams.
- Mylar pellicles coated with gold are potential candidates for such applications due to their reflective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the surface stability and radiation resistance of a gold-coated Mylar pellicle under electron beam bombardment.
- To determine the suitability of this foil as an end mirror in FEL oscillators.
Main Methods:
- Interferometric measurement of surface motion during pulsed electron beam bombardment (15-MeV, 40-mA).
- Evaluation of surface integrity after exposure to a radiation dose of 5 x 10^7 rad.
Main Results:
- No surface motion exceeding 0.3 micrometers was detected during electron pulse exposure.
- The gold-coated Mylar surface exhibited no discernible damage after receiving a significant radiation dose.
Conclusions:
- Gold-coated Mylar pellicles demonstrate excellent stability and radiation hardness.
- These foils are a viable option for end mirrors in free-electron-laser oscillator systems.
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