X-ray amplification from a Raman free-electron laser.
We demonstrate that a mm-scale free-electron laser can operate in the x-ray range, in the interaction between a moderately relativistic electron bunch, and a transverse high intensity optical lattice. The corrugated light-induced ponderomotive potential acts simultaneously as a guide and as a low-frequency wiggler, triggering stimulated Raman scattering. The gain law in the small signal regime is derived in a fluid approach, and confirmed from particle-in-cell simulations. We describe the nature of bunching, and discuss the saturation properties. The resulting all-optical Raman x-ray laser opens perspectives for ultracompact coherent light sources up to the hard x-ray range.
Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications, CNRS, CEA, Univ Bordeaux, UMR 5107, F33400 Talence, France. igor.andriyash@gmail.com
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Andriyash
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d'Humières
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Tikhonchuk
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Balcou
D004583:Electrons; D007834:Lasers; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014965:X-Rays