Electron Beam Bunch Profile Determination through Cerenkov Radiation

The spatial charge distribution of an electron pulse, along with the beam interaction length, determines the Cerenkov radiation distribution as a function of frequency. An angular distribution of the Cerenkov radiation can, in principle, measure its spatial charge distribution. At a measurement angle of 900 with respect to the beam direction, the form factor is unity which allows a measurement of the total charge contained in the pulse. At other angles, Fourier transforms of the charge distribution may be measured. Possible application to intense relativistic beams in air is discussed.