Observation of broadband self-amplified spontaneous coherent terahertz synchrotron radiation in a storage ring

Revealing the dynamics of ultrarelativistic non-equilibrium many-electron systems with phase space tomography

The description of physical processes with many-particle systems is a key approach to the modeling of numerous physical systems. For example in storage rings, where ultrarelativistic particles are agglomerated in dense bunches, the modeling and measurement of their phase-space distribution is of paramount importance: at any time the phase-space distribution not only determines the complete space-time evolution but also provides fundamental performance characteristics for storage ring operation. Here, we demonstrate a non-destructive tomographic imaging technique for the 2D longitudinal phase-space distribution of ultrarelativistic electron bunches. For this purpose, we utilize a unique setup, which streams turn-by-turn near-field measurements of bunch profiles at MHz repetition rates. To demonstrate the feasibility of our method, we induce a non-equilibrium state and show that the phase-space distribution microstructuring as well as the phase-space distribution dynamics can be observed in great detail. Our approach offers a pathway to control ultrashort bunches and supports, as one example, the development of compact accelerators with low energy footprints.

Experimental demonstration of the mechanism of steady-state microbunching

The use of particle accelerators as photon sources has enabled advances in science and technology¹. Currently the workhorses of such sources are storage-ring-based synchrotron radiation facilities^2-4 and linear-accelerator-based free-electron lasers^5-14. Synchrotron radiation facilities deliver photons with high repetition rates but relatively low power, owing to their temporally incoherent nature. Free-electron lasers produce radiation with high peak brightness, but their repetition rate is limited by the driving sources. The steady-state microbunching^15-22 (SSMB) mechanism has been proposed to generate high-repetition, high-power radiation at wavelengths ranging from the terahertz scale to the extreme ultraviolet. This is accomplished by using microbunching-enabled multiparticle coherent enhancement of the radiation in an electron storage ring on a steady-state turn-by-turn basis. A crucial step in unveiling the potential of SSMB as a future photon source is the demonstration of its mechanism in a real machine. Here we report an experimental demonstration of the SSMB mechanism. We show that electron bunches stored in a quasi-isochronous ring can yield sub-micrometre microbunching and coherent radiation, one complete revolution after energy modulation induced by a 1,064-nanometre-wavelength laser. Our results verify that the optical phases of electrons can be correlated turn by turn at a precision of sub-laser wavelengths. On the basis of this phase correlation, we expect that SSMB will be realized by applying a phase-locked laser that interacts with the electrons turn by turn. This demonstration represents a milestone towards the implementation of an SSMB-based high-repetition, high-power photon source.

Terahertz Spectroscopy: Encoding the Discovery, Instrumentation, and Applications toward Pharmaceutical Prospectives

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is an emerging field for quality control of pharmaceuticals, which uses T-waves for detection. T-waves fall in between infrared and microwave radiations while possessing some of the characteristics of both. THz spectroscopy reveals its existence in between 0.1 and 10 THz. These radiations have the ability to penetrate a broad range of non-conductive materials and it is nonionizing. The first article stating the use of THz radiations was found in late 1960 for the generation of the astronomical images. This review essentially creates attention toward different forms and instrumentation of THz spectroscopy along with the updates for timely and upbeat pharmaceutical applications. The most frequently used technique is THz-TDS which has profoundly privileged applicability for the pharmaceuticals. The existing literature of THz spectroscopy further created albeit interest to explore the applications for future implementation in concern with the pharmaceuticals. The review critically outlines here all the pharmaceutical applications of THz spectroscopy including protein analyses, crystallinity studies, evaluating tablet films and coats, medicinal aging variations, and detection of illicit drugs, along with the advantages over traditional techniques. The other side of THz spectroscopy stating limitations is also studied and taken into the note to present here. This review is a genuine attempt to quote and crucially assess the possible as well as anticipated prospectives for the pharmaceuticals. The present article will further promote the awareness, opportunities, and scientific exploration of this exciting technology as THz spectroscopy.

From self-organization in relativistic electron bunches to coherent synchrotron light: observation using a photonic time-stretch digitizer

In recent and future synchrotron radiation facilities, relativistic electron bunches with increasingly high charge density are needed for producing brilliant light at various wavelengths, from X-rays to terahertz. In such conditions, interaction of electron bunches with their own emitted electromagnetic fields leads to instabilities and spontaneous formation of complex spatial structures. Understanding these instabilities is therefore key in most electron accelerators. However, investigations suffer from the lack of non-destructive recording tools for electron bunch shapes. In storage rings, most studies thus focus on the resulting emitted radiation. Here, we present measurements of the electric field in the immediate vicinity of the electron bunch in a storage ring, over many turns. For recording the ultrafast electric field, we designed a photonic time-stretch analog-to-digital converter with terasamples/second acquisition rate. We could thus observe the predicted link between spontaneous pattern formation and giant bursts of coherent synchrotron radiation in a storage ring.

Recent advances in ultrafast X-ray sources

Over more than a century, X-rays have transformed our understanding of the fundamental structure of matter and have been an indispensable tool for chemistry, physics, biology, materials science and related fields. Recent advances in ultrafast X-ray sources operating in the femtosecond to attosecond regimes have opened an important new frontier in X-ray science. These advances now enable: (i) sensitive probing of structural dynamics in matter on the fundamental timescales of atomic motion, (ii) element-specific probing of electronic structure and charge dynamics on fundamental timescales of electronic motion, and (iii) powerful new approaches for unravelling the coupling between electronic and atomic structural dynamics that underpin the properties and function of matter. Most notable is the recent realization of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) with numerous new XFEL facilities in operation or under development worldwide. Advances in XFELs are complemented by advances in synchrotron-based and table-top laser-plasma X-ray sources now operating in the femtosecond regime, and laser-based high-order harmonic XUV sources operating in the attosecond regime. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measurement of ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics with X-rays'.

Coherent THz Emission Enhanced by Coherent Synchrotron Radiation Wakefield

We demonstrate that emission of coherent transition radiation by a ∼1 GeV energy-electron beam passing through an Al foil is enhanced in intensity and extended in frequency spectral range, by the energy correlation established along the beam by coherent synchrotron radiation wakefield, in the presence of a proper electron optics in the beam delivery system. Analytical and numerical models, based on experimental electron beam parameters collected at the FERMI free electron laser (FEL), predict transition radiation with two intensity peaks at ∼0.3 THz and ∼1.5 THz, and extending up to 8.5 THz with intensity above 20 dB w.r.t. the main peak. Up to 80-µJ pulse energy integrated over the full bandwidth is expected at the source, and in agreement with experimental pulse energy measurements. By virtue of its implementation in an FEL beam dump line, this work promises dissemination of user-oriented multi-THz beamlines parasitic and self-synchronized to EUV and x-ray FELs.

Direct Observation of Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Short Electron Bunches in Storage Rings

In recent synchrotron radiation facilities, the use of short (picosecond) electron bunches is a powerful method for producing giant pulses of terahertz coherent synchrotron radiation. Here we report on the first direct observation of these pulse shapes with a few picoseconds resolution, and of their dynamics over a long time. We thus confirm in a very direct way the theories predicting an interplay between two physical processes. Below a critical bunch charge, we observe a train of identical THz pulses (a broadband Terahertz comb) stemming from the shortness of the electron bunches. Above this threshold, a large part of the emission is dominated by drifting structures, which appear through spontaneous self-organization. These challenging single-shot THz recordings are made possible by using a recently developed photonic time stretch detector with a high sensitivity. The experiment has been realized at the SOLEIL storage ring.

Low frequency piezoresonance defined dynamic control of terahertz wave propagation

Phase modulators are one of the key components of many applications in electromagnetic and opto-electric wave propagations. Phase-shifters play an integral role in communications, imaging and in coherent material excitations. In order to realize the terahertz (THz) electromagnetic spectrum as a fully-functional bandwidth, the development of a family of efficient THz phase modulators is needed. Although there have been quite a few attempts to implement THz phase modulators based on quantum-well structures, liquid crystals, or meta-materials, significantly improved sensitivity and dynamic control for phase modulation, as we believe can be enabled by piezoelectric-resonance devices, is yet to be investigated. In this article we provide an experimental demonstration of phase modulation of THz beam by operating a ferroelectric single crystal LiNbO₃ film device at the piezo-resonance. The piezo-resonance, excited by an external a.c. electric field, develops a coupling between electromagnetic and lattice-wave and this coupling governs the wave propagation of the incident THz beam by modulating its phase transfer function. We report the understanding developed in this work can facilitate the design and fabrication of a family of resonance-defined highly sensitive and extremely low energy sub-millimeter wave sensors and modulators.

Observing microscopic structures of a relativistic object using a time-stretch strategy

Emission of light by a single electron moving on a curved trajectory (synchrotron radiation) is one of the most well-known fundamental radiation phenomena. However experimental situations are more complex as they involve many electrons, each being exposed to the radiation of its neighbors. This interaction has dramatic consequences, one of the most spectacular being the spontaneous formation of spatial structures inside electrons bunches. This fundamental effect is actively studied as it represents one of the most fundamental limitations in electron accelerators, and at the same time a source of intense terahertz radiation (Coherent Synchrotron Radiation, or CSR). Here we demonstrate the possibility to directly observe the electron bunch microstructures with subpicosecond resolution, in a storage ring accelerator. The principle is to monitor the terahertz pulses emitted by the structures, using a strategy from photonics, time-stretch, consisting in slowing-down the phenomena before recording. This opens the way to unpreceeded possibilities for analyzing and mastering new generation high power coherent synchrotron sources.

Microbunching instability in relativistic electron bunches: direct observations of the microstructures using ultrafast YBCO detectors

Relativistic electron bunches circulating in accelerators are subjected to a dynamical instability leading to microstructures at millimeter to centimeter scale. Although this is a well-known fact, direct experimental observations of the structures, or the field that they emit, remained up to now an open problem. Here, we report the direct, shot-by-shot, time-resolved recording of the shapes (including envelope and carrier) of the pulses of coherent synchrotron radiation that are emitted, and that are a "signature" of the electron bunch microstructure. The experiments are performed on the UVSOR-III storage ring, using electrical field sensitive YBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin-film ultrafast detectors. The observed patterns are subjected to permanent drifts, that can be explained from a reasoning in phase space, using macroparticle simulations.

Coherent synchrotron radiation for broadband terahertz spectroscopy

We present the first high resolution (10(-3) cm(-1)) interferometric measurements in the 200-750 GHz range using coherent synchrotron radiation, achieved with a low momentum compaction factor. The effect of microbunching on spectra is shown, depending on the bunch current. A high signal-to-noise ratio is reached thanks to an artifact correction system based on a double detection scheme. Combined to the broad emitted spectral range and high flux (up to 10(5) times the incoherent radiation), this study demonstrates that coherent synchrotron radiation can now be used for stability-demanding applications, such as gas-phase studies of unstable molecules.

Characterization of near-terahertz complementary metal-oxide semiconductor circuits using a Fourier-transform interferometer

Optical methods for measuring of the emission spectra of oscillator circuits operating in the 400-600 GHz range are described. The emitted power from patch antennas included in the circuits is measured by placing the circuit in the source chamber of a Fourier-transform interferometric spectrometer. The results show that this optical technique is useful for measuring circuits pushing the frontier in operating frequency. The technique also allows the characterization of the circuit by measuring the power radiated in the fundamental and in the harmonics. This capability is useful for oscillator architectures designed to cancel the fundamental and use higher harmonics. The radiated power was measured using two techniques: direct measurement of the power by placing the device in front of a bolometer of known responsivity, and by comparison to the estimated power from blackbody sources. The latter technique showed that these circuits have higher emission than blackbody sources at the operating frequencies, and, therefore, offer potential spectroscopy applications.

Note: Recent achievements at the 60-MeV linac for sub-picosecond terahertz radiation at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory

A femtosecond (fs) terahertz (THz) linac has been constructed to generate fs-THz radiation by using ultrashort electron beam at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory. To generate an ultrashort electron beam with 60-MeV energy, a chicane bunch compressor has been adopted. Simulation studies have been conducted to design the linac. In this note, recent achievements at 60-MeV linac are presented.

Diffractive grating structure for coherent light source production

A diffractive structure of cavities is designed to produce resonances at very high frequencies. This type of cavity structure may be useful for producing controllable coherent synchrotron radiation by microbunching the particle beam.

Nonlinear cross-phase modulation with intense single-cycle terahertz pulses

We have demonstrated nonlinear cross-phase modulation in electro-optic crystals using intense, single-cycle terahertz (THz) radiation. Individual THz pulses, generated by coherent transition radiation emitted by subpicosecond electron bunches, have peak energies of up to 100 microJ per pulse. The time-dependent electric field of the intense THz pulses induces cross-phase modulation in electro-optic crystals through the Pockels effect, leading to spectral shifting, broadening, and modulation of copropagating laser pulses. The observed THz-induced cross-phase modulation agrees well with a time-dependent phase-shift model.

Laser seeding of the storage-ring microbunching instability for high-power coherent terahertz radiation

We report the first observation of laser seeding of the storage-ring microbunching instability. Above a threshold bunch current, the interaction of the beam and its radiation results in a coherent instability, observed as a series of stochastic bursts of coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) at terahertz frequencies initiated by fluctuations in the beam density. We have observed that this effect can be seeded by imprinting an initial density modulation on the beam by means of laser "slicing." In such a situation, most of the bursts of CSR become synchronous with the pulses of the modulating laser and their average intensity scales exponentially with the current per bunch. We present detailed experimental observations of the seeding effect and a model of the phenomenon. This seeding mechanism also creates potential applications as a high-power source of CSR at terahertz frequencies.

Tailored terahertz pulses from a laser-modulated electron beam

We present a new method to generate steady and tunable, coherent, broadband terahertz radiation from a relativistic electron beam modulated by a femtosecond laser. We have demonstrated this in the electron storage ring at the Advanced Light Source. Interaction of an electron beam with a femtosecond laser pulse copropagating through a wiggler modulates the electron energies within a short slice of the electron bunch with about the same duration of the laser pulse. The bunch develops a longitudinal density perturbation due to the dispersion of electron trajectories, and the resulting hole emits short pulses of temporally and spatially coherent terahertz pulses synchronized to the laser. We present measurements of the intensity and spectra of these pulses. This technique allows tremendous flexibility in shaping the terahertz pulse by appropriate modulation of the laser pulse.

Coherent THz synchrotron radiation from a storage ring with high-frequency RF system

The generation of brilliant, stable, and broadband coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) in electron storage rings depends strongly on ring rf system properties such as frequency and gap voltage. We have observed intense coherent radiation at frequencies approaching the THz regime produced by the MIT-Bates South Hall Ring, which employs a high-frequency S-band rf system. The measured CSR spectral intensity enhancement with 2 mA stored current was up to 10,000 times above background for wave numbers near 3 cm(-1). The measurements also uncovered strong beam instabilities that must be suppressed if such a very high rf frequency electron storage ring is to become a viable coherent THz source.

Optical performances of SINBAD, the synchrotron infrared beamline at DAphiNE

SINBAD (Synchrotron Infrared Beamline At DAphiNE) is the first Italian synchrotron radiation beamline operating in the infrared range. It collects the radiation emitted by DANE, an electron-positron collider designed to work at 0.51 GeV with a beam current I> 1 A. The actual performances of the beamline, in terms of brilliance gain with respect to blackbodies and polarization properties, are presented and discussed. Finally, the stability of the SINBAD source, a critical issue for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, is discussed.

Anomalous hollow electron beams in a storage ring

This Letter reports the first observations of an anomalous hollow electron beam in the Duke storage ring. Created by exciting the single-bunch beam in a lattice with a negative chromaticity, the hollow beam consists of a solid core inside and a large ring outside. We report the detailed measurements of the hollow beam phenomenon, including its distinct image pattern, spectrum signature, and its evolution with time. By capturing the postinstability bursting beam, the hollow beam is a unique model system for studying the transverse instabilities, in particular, the interplay of the wakefield and the lattice nonlinearity. In addition, the hollow beam can be used as a powerful tool to study the linear and nonlinear particle dynamics in the storage ring.

Bunching instability of rotating relativistic electron layers and coherent synchrotron radiation

We study the stability of a collision-less, relativistic, finite-strength, cylindrical layer of charged particles in free space by solving the linearized Vlasov-Maxwell equations and compute the power of the emitted electromagnetic waves. The layer is rotating in an external magnetic field parallel to the layer. This system is of interest to understanding the high brightness temperature of pulsars which cannot be explained by an incoherent radiation mechanism. Coherent synchrotron radiation has also been observed recently in bunch compressors used in particle accelerators. We consider equilibrium layers with a "thermal" energy spread and therefore a nonzero radial thickness. The particles interact with their retarded electromagnetic self-fields. The effect of the betatron oscillations is retained. A short azimuthal wavelength instability is found which causes a modulation of the charge and current densities. The growth rate is found to be an increasing function of the azimuthal wave number, a decreasing function of the Lorentz factor, and proportional to the square root of the total number of electrons. We argue that the growth of the unstable perturbation saturates when the trapping frequency of electrons in the wave becomes comparable to the growth rate. Owing to this saturation we can predict the radiation spectrum for a given set of parameters. Our predicted brightness temperatures are proportional to the square of the number of particles and scale by the inverse five-third power of the azimuthal wave number which is in rough accord with the observed spectra of radio pulsars.

A model describing stable coherent synchrotron radiation in storage rings

We present a model describing high power stable broadband coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) in the terahertz frequency region in an electron storage ring. The model includes distortion of bunch shape from the synchrotron radiation (SR), which enhances higher frequency coherent emission, and limits to stable emission due to an instability excited by the SR wakefield. It gives a quantitative explanation of several features of the recent observations of CSR at the BESSY II storage ring. We also use this model to optimize the performance of a source for stable CSR emission.

High-power terahertz synchrotron sources

Electromagnetic waves, or light, are produced by accelerating electrons according to the formula assigned the name of Sir Joseph Larmor, who was secretary of The Royal Society from 1901 to 1912. For relativistic electrons the emission is enhanced by the fourth power of the increase in mass. Thus for 10 MeV electrons, for which the mass increases by a factor of 21, the enhancement is a factor of 200000. We have generated high-power broadband THz light using relativistic electrons and demonstrated that ca. 100 W can readily be produced in a band from 0.1 to 3 THz with possible extensions to 6 THz. The experiments use a new generation of light source in which bunches of electrons circulate once, but in which their energy is recovered. In such a machine the electron bunches can be very much shorter than those, say, in storage rings or synchrotrons.

Very High Power THz Radiation Sources

We report the production of high power (20watts average, ∼ 1 Megawatt peak) broadbandTHz light based on coherent emission fromrelativistic electrons. Such sources areideal for imaging, for high power damagestudies and for studies of non-linearphenomena in this spectral range. Wedescribe the source, presenting theoreticalcalculations and their experimentalverification. For clarity we compare thissource with one based on ultrafast lasertechniques.

Brilliant, coherent far-infrared (THz) synchrotron radiation

A new technology for generating steady state, brilliant, broadband, coherent, far-infrared (FIR) radiation in electron storage rings is presented, suitable for FIR spectroscopy. An FIR power increase of up to 100 000 compared to the normal, incoherent synchrotron radiation in the range of approximately 5 to approximately 40 cm(-1) could be achieved. The source is up to 1000 times more brillant compared to a standard Hg arc lamp. The coherent synchrotron radiation is produced in a "low alpha" optics mode of the synchrotron light source BESSY, by bunch shortening and non-Gaussian bunch deformation.