This paper gives an extensive characterization of the range of validity of the Compton and Raman approximations to the exact free electron laser dispersion relation for a cold, relativistic electron beam propagating through a constantamplitude helical wiggler magnetic field. The electron beam is treated as infinite in transverse extent. Specific properties of the exact and approximate dispersion relations are investigated analytically and numerically. In particular, a detailed numerical analysis is carried out to determine the range of validity of the Compton approximation.
The influence of higher-harmonic free-electron laser (FEL) oscillations on an electron beam have been studied by measuring its bunch length at the NIJI-IV storage ring. The bunch length and the lifetime of the electron beam were measured, and were observed to have become longer owing to harmonic lasing, which is in accord with the increase of the FEL gain. It was demonstrated that the saturated FEL power could be described by the theory of bunch heating, even for the harmonic lasing. Cavity-length detuning curves were measured for the harmonic lasing, and it was found that the width of the detuning curve was proportional to a parameter that depended on the bunch length. These experimental results will be useful for developing compact resonator-type FELs by using higher harmonics in the extreme-ultraviolet and the X-ray regions.
Improved free-electron laser stability and performance using a hollow electron beam