Free electron laser stability effects and design of an electrostatic cathode test cell

Abstract

Developing the Free Electron Laser (FEL) as a weapon is of high interest to the United States Navy. This thesis aims to gain insight, through simulation of generic configurations of an oscillator and amplifier FEL, into the performance of an FEL and the effects of electron beam misalignments. It then compares simulation results to an existing experiment, and explores similarities and differences. Additionally, a new cathode test cell is designed. Electrostatic cathode test cell designs are proposed and a recommendation for future design and construction is made.