All-optical free electron lasers with Traveling-wave Thomson-scattering -- Realizable with existing machines

Optical free-electron lasers (OFEL) based on the Traveling-wave Thomson scattering (TWTS) geometry [*] are realizable using existing petawatt class laser systems and electron beams from either conventional or Laser-wakefield accelerators. Such OFELs operate in the EUV to x-ray range, while at the same time remaining compact with centimeter to sub-meter total length.

Based on results from our analytical 1.5D-theory, as well as numerical investigations, we show using example scenarios that TWTS OFELs can be realized in SASE mode with existing RF sources such as ELBE at HZDR as well as Laser-wakefield accelerated electrons. We detail the necessary equipment for a TWTS OFEL experiment and discuss how current experimental limitations affect the design.