Multiple-beam free-electron lasers

Free-electron Lasers (FELs) have operated over virtually the entire electromagnetic spectrum from microwaves through the ultraviolet and up to average power levels of 2 kW. Advances in injector technology are needed to operate at shorter wavelengths, such as X-rays, or higher average powers. This can be achieved using multiple injectors and combining the beams. Initial simulations of this concept have been applied to the proposed design of the 1.5 إ Linac Coherent Light Source. Further studies will be conducted on the limitations of the effects of space-charge and coherent synchrotron radiation on the physics of combining beams.