Study of optics for bunching of synchrotron x-rays

We propose to use techniques of pulse modulation applied in visible light laser optics to the x-ray domain. In a first step we study the emission process of synchrotron radiation in terms of the time dependence of energy and phase for individual electrons showing that the prerequisite for bunch compression would be provided Secondly, we indicate a possible x-ray optical scheme consisting of pairs of crystals or multilayers to delay, superimpose or compress xray pulses. The proposed layout should permit bunching and pulse-shaping of synchrotron x-rays down to about 1 picosecond which would significantly improve the present time resolution in x-ray experiments conducted at modern synchrotron radiation facilities. However, it remains to be shown what is the result for collective emission of synchrotron radiation for a bunch of many electrons.