Ultrashort x-ray pulse generation by electron beam slicing in storage rings

Abstract

We propose a new method to generate ultrashort x-ray pulses using focused short low energy (∼20 MeV) electron bunches to create short slices of electrons from the circulating electron bunches in a synchrotron radiation storage ring. When a low energy electron bunch crosses from the top of a high energy storage ring electron bunch, its Coulomb force will kick a short slice from the core of the storage ring electron bunch. The separated slices, when passing through an undulator, will radiate ultrashort x-ray pulses at about 160 fs. We discuss the advantages, challenges, and provide data which confirm the feasibility of this new method.