Theory and simulation of CSR microbunching in bunch compressors

CSR microbunching instability in bunch compressors is studied both analytically and numerically. The iterative solutions of the integral equation for the instability provide approximate expressions of CSR microbunching due to initial density and energy modulation, and can be applied to a series of bending systems consisting of multiple compressor chicanes and transport lines. Two similar but independent simulation methods are developed and are compared to each other as well as with theory. We determine the total gain in density modulation for all bend systems of the Linac Coherent Light Source and discuss initial conditions that start the unstable process. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.