Radiation emission processes and properties: synchrotron, undulator and betatron radiation

Abstract

Synchrotron, undulator and betatron radiations are generated from last generation and novel concept sources. The achievement of unprecedented radiation properties opens new opportunities in various research fields as well as novel potential applications. In particular, bright coherent X-rays and $ \gamma $-rays have been recently obtained thanks to enormous efforts in technological advancements and research activities. We give in this work a uniform argumentation and comparison of the main fundamental emission processes and radiation properties of synchrotron, undulator and betatron radiations. Emphasis is given to spatial coherence and related diagnostics, a fundamental property for any ‘modern light source’ and a basis for recent important advancements.

Keywords

• Synchrotron radiation
• undulators
• betatron radiation
• laser-plasma acceleration
• coherence