First Operation of the Los Alamos Free-Electron Laser Oscillator

摘要

An FEL oscillator has been operated at wavelengths between 9 and 11 mu m with a peak intracavity power of about 20 MW and an average output power of 1 kW in 70- mu s pulses. We present the design parameters and operating characteristics. We report measurements of spontaneous emission, start-up of oscillations, and signal growth through approx. 9 orders of magnitude to saturation. The dependence of gain and saturation on cavity length, alignment, beam parameters, and other critical variables are discussed and compared with theory. 7 references. (ERA citation 09:014465)