Abstract

We describe the quantum initiation for free-electron lasers and derive the collective instability threshold starting from the electron position and the momentum quantum fluctuations. We obtain the Glauber distribution P(α) for the field, that is, a displaced Gaussian, which represents the superposition of a coherent field (stimulated emission) and an incoherent one (spontaneous emission). We define and discuss the concept of superradiance for free-electron lasers, both in a classical framework and at a quantum statistical level, stating the conditions under which the effect should be observed.

© 1985 Optical Society of America

Exponential growth, superradiance, and tunability of a seeded free electron laser

Juhao Wu, James B. Murphy, Xijie Wang, and Kelin Wang
Opt. Express 16(5) 3255-3260 (2008)

Quantum features of a free-electron laser

M. Orszag and R. Ramirez
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 3(6) 895-900 (1986)

Unified view of free-electron laser dynamics and of higher-harmonics electron bunching

G. Dattoli, L. Giannessi, and A. Torre
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 10(11) 2136-2143 (1993)

Nonlocal semiquantum theory of optical second-harmonic generation in free-electron-like metals

Ole Keller
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 2(2) 367-376 (1985)

Photon statistical properties of an optical-wiggler free-electron laser

G. Dattoli, J. Gallardo, and A. Torre
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 3(1) 65-67 (1986)