Proof-of-principle experiment for a sheet-beam, near-millimeter, free electron laser with output power up to 1 Megawatt

J. H. Booske, T. M. Antonsen, Y. Carmel, W. W. Destler, J. Finn, V. L. Granatstein, P. E. Latham, B. Levush, I. D. Mayergoyz, D. Radack, Z. X. Zhang, M. E. Read, A. Linz

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The use of a small period wiggler (lw < 1 cm) together with a sheet electron beam has been proposed as a low cost source of power for electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) in magnetic fusion plasmas and for space-based radar systems. We have experimentally demonstrated stable propagation of a sheet beam (18 A, 1 mm × 20 mm) through a ten-period wiggler electromagnet with peak field of 1.2 kG. Calculation of microwave wall heating and pressurized water cooling have also been carried out, and indicate the feasibility of operating a near-millimeter, sheet beam FEL with an output power of 1 MW CW (corresponding to power density into the walls of 2 kW/cm2). Based on these encouraging results, a proof-of-principle experiment is being assembled, and is aimed at demonstrating FEL operating at 120 GHz with 300 kW output power in 1 µs pulses; electron energy would be 410 keV. Preliminary design of a 300 GHz, 1 MW FEL with an untapered wiggler is also presented. Finally, a method of modulating high power CW signals for radar applications is suggested.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)273-281
Number of pages9
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume1061
DOIs
StatePublished - 25 Jul 1989
Externally publishedYes
EventMicrowave and Particle Beam Sources and Directed Energy Concepts 1989 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: 15 Jan 198920 Jan 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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