Coherent X-ray source generation with off-resonance laser modulation

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Laser Science
• Particle Accelerators

Background:

• Generation of ultrashort coherent radiation in the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and soft X-ray regimes is crucial for various research fields.
• Existing methods for producing such radiation face limitations in power and scale.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and analyze a novel scheme for generating coherent harmonic radiation.
• To achieve high-power EUV and soft X-ray radiation using off-resonance seed laser modulation.

Main Methods:

• Modulating the angular distribution of an electron beam (e beam) in an undulator (modulator) using an off-resonance seed laser.
• Introducing strong coherent micro-bunching into the e beam after passing through a dispersion section.
• Utilizing theoretical analysis and simulations to validate the proposed method.

Main Results:

• The off-resonance seed laser, with a wavelength different from the undulator's resonant wavelength, effectively modulates the electron beam.
• The dispersion section induces high-order harmonic components of the seed laser within the micro-bunched electron beam.
• Simulations confirm the generation of coherent EUV and soft X-ray radiation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers a promising pathway for generating coherent EUV and soft X-ray radiation.
• This technique can achieve sub-gigawatt power levels within a meter-scale undulator (radiator).
• The method provides a scalable and efficient approach for advanced light source development.