Time-dependent multi-dimensional simulation studies of the electron output scheme for high power FELs

We examine the performance of the so-called electron output scheme recently proposed by the Novosibirsk group [G.I. Erg et al., 15th Int. Free Electron Laser Conf., The Hague, The Netherlands, 1993, Book of Abstracts p. 50; Preprint Budker INP 93-75]. In this scheme, the key role of the FEL oscillator is to induce bunching, while an external undulator, called the radiator, then outcouples the bunched electron beam to optical energy via coherent emission. The level of the intracavity power in the oscillator is kept low by employing a transverse optical klystron (TOK) configuration, thus avoiding excessive thermal loading on the cavity mirrors. Time-dependent effects are important in the operation of the electron output scheme because high gain in the TOK oscillator leads to sideband instabilities and chaotic behavior. We have carried out an extensive simulation study by using 1D and 2D time-dependent codes and find that proper control of the oscillator cavity detuning and cavity loss results in high output bunching with a narrow spectral bandwidth. Large cavity detuning in the oscillator and tapering of the radiator undulator is necessary for the optimum output power.