Ultra-high order harmonic generation via a free electron laser mechanism
- Received Date: 2009-08-21
- Accepted Date: 2010-01-15
- Available Online: 2010-08-05
Abstract:
In this paper, by using the ``frequency up-conversion'' principle with a high gain harmonic generation free electron laser and an external seed laser, we consider the possibility of modulating a relativistic electron beam on the attosecond scale, so that it can produce
coherent spontaneous radiation from the deep ultraviolet to the hard X-ray spectral region with a very short radiator. Analytical estimation and three-dimensional numerical modeling show the great potential to reach ultra-high harmonics up to several thousand. For an electron bunch with the typical quality as in the free electron laser scheme and a seed laser with 800 nm wavelength, 0.8 nm attosecond trains with alterable duration and GW scale peak power are modeled. The output radiation exhibits good shot-to-shot stability, full coherence and perfect tuning ability between the discrete harmonics of the seed frequency.