The Oxford free electron laser project

Abstract It is proposed to use the Oxford 10 MV Van de Graaff accelerator as an electron beam source for a free electron laser (FEL) operating in the far infra red (FIR). The configuration and layout of the Van de Graaff make it very suitable for conversion, with a potentially high efficiency for electron beam recovery. Using a 2 m long wiggler of 34 mm period, the FEL would operate in the 60−300 μm wavelength band, with extension down to 30 μm on the 3rd harmonic. When constructed, the FEL will support a programme of FEL research and development, concentrating at first on investigations of behaviour in the moderately high-gain regime (∼ 100% per pass) and mechanisms for lasing on higher harmonics. It will also be the basis for a national UK user facility in the FIR.