A 10 MHz Pulsed Laser Wire Scanner for Longitudinal and Transverse Measurements of 100-mA Class Electron Beams

For the increasing number of high-average-current electron accelerators, such as the Energy Recovery Linac (ERL), the characterization of basic electron beam properties ¿ including transverse profile, emittance, and bunch length ¿ is critical. However, standard interceptive diagnostics are inapplicable, as the impact of a MW-grade electron beam would destroy any target. One promising non-degradable approach is a laser wire scanner (LWS). Although a number of LWS systems have been developed, these systems are either over-engineered or inefficient for ERL beam diagnostic needs. This project will develop an inexpensive, stand-alone, laser wire scanner system specifically adapted to ERL parameters. The LWS system (1) will utilize special features of ERL beams, such as relatively long bunch length and ultra-high repetition rate, to achieve optimal efficiency in a cost effective manner; (2) will be synchronized to the beam and very insensitive to spatial and temporal jitter; (3) will operate below the optical damage threshold; and (4) will be fully automated with a control system that incorporates a feedback algorithm and 3-D scan controls. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee This LWS system should simplify the approach towards ERL commissioning, troubleshooting, tuning, and optimization. The LWS system will be marketed as a semicustom commercial product to high-average-current facilities, which is a rapidly growing market