Parameter analysis for a high-gain harmonic generation FEL using a recently developed 3D polychromatic code

One possible design for a fourth-generation light source is the high-gain harmonic generation (HGHG) free-electron laser (FEL). Here, a coherent seed with a wavelength at a subharmonic of the desired output radiation interacts with the electron beam in an energy-modulating section. This energy modulation is then converted into spatial bunching while traversing a dispersive section (a three-dipole chicane). The final step is passage through an undulator tuned to the desired higher harmonic output wavelength. The coherent seed serves to suppress noise and can be at a much lower subharmonic of the output radiation. Recently, a 3D code that includes multiple frequencies, multiple undulators (both in quantity and/or type), quadrupole magnets, and dipole magnets was developed to easily simulate HGHG. Here, a brief review of the HGHG theory, the code development, the Accelerator Test Facility's (ATF) HGHG FEL experimental parameters, and the parameter analysis from simulations of this specific experiment will be discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.