Applications of free electron laser (FEL)

The free electron lasers (FEL) of the Jefferson Laboratory, which are under a commissioning stage for the infrared wavelength and on a planning board for UV, will offer many opportunities to the science community and high-tech industries for developing new technologies, such as microfabrication, microsensors, and synthesis of new materials. Potentials of the FEL for industry and military uses have been extensively explored over many years. Exploitation of FEL for new applications is not restricted by the lack of ingenuity, but always limited by the unavailability of proper light sources. Along with the construction of FEL, benefits of potential applications must be clearly identified and an appropriate infra-structure for technology development should be implemented early on.