Patent ID: 6636534
Filing Date: 2003-10-21
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A free-electron laser (FEL) comprising:a. a relativistic electron beam generator further comprising a cathode and an accelerator; b. an optical cavity adapted to store a co-propagating optical beam in which an axis of a relativistic electron beam generated at least in part by the relativistic electron beam generator is aligned along an optical axis of the optical cavity; c. an interaction region disposed in the optical cavity at least partially about the optical axis, the interaction region further comprising a magnetic field generator; d. a phase displacement device disposed about a predetermined portion of the interaction region at least partially about the optical axis; e. an optical beam spectral filter interposed in the optical cavity along a predetermined portion of the optical axis; and f. an output coupler interposed in the optical cavity in communication with a co-propagating optical beam coincident with the optical axis; g. wherein a predetermined portion of a co-propagating optical beam exits the optical cavity via the output coupler to produce a coherent output optical beam.