Difference b/n synchrotron radiation and Free electron laser

In summary, the main difference between synchrotron radiation and FEL is that synchrotron radiation is produced by forcing electrons to travel in a sine wave pattern, while FEL uses a free electron beam to generate coherent electromagnetic radiation, similar to a laser. The undulator and wiggler are essentially the same thing, just with different names, and they provide more control over the delivery of radiation. The FEL technology offers lower costs and a wider range of wavelengths compared to synchrotron radiation.
  • #1
Rajini
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Hello All,
Apart from using undulator or wiggler are there any big difference between synchrotron radiation and FEL? Because I notice it looks similar. In both case electron is forced to travel like a sine wave...and synchrotron radiation is produced..
Also what is the difference between undulator and wiggler?
thanks, Rajini.
 
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  • #2
Undulator and wiggler are the same thing; wiggler is less formal, based on American idiom, while undulator is the more formal latin term ... which literally means "wiggler".

Note that the original "synchrotron" radiation was simply due to the turning of the high energy particle beams; the undulator simply provides more control over the delivery, and of what is delivered.

The FEL is a newer technology, and hopefully will provide better control with lower costs, and expanded realm of wavelengths. In addition the radiation is coherent ... hence the designation of laser. This is an important difference in how the radiation interacts with matter.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free-electron_laser
 
  • #3
Hi,
Thanks! Can it be like this:
Synchrotron Radiation: One uses any charged particle, i.e., protrons, or electrons to produce synchrotron radiation of incoherent nature.
FEL: One uses only free electron electron for producing synchrotron radiation of coherent nature.
Am I correct? Why I am confused is..why the word 'laser' comes in? I don't think any laser is produced?
Thanks, Rajini.
 
  • #4
The FEL generates coherent electromagnetic radiation; this is one of the fundamental properties of a laser.

For the FEL the electron beam supplies all of the energy; it is the lasing medium. This article describes how the FEL obtains coherent radiation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free-electron_laser#Beam_creation
 
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  • #5


Hi Rajini,

Thank you for your question. There are indeed some similarities between synchrotron radiation and free electron laser (FEL), as both involve the acceleration of electrons and the production of radiation. However, there are also some key differences between the two processes.

Firstly, synchrotron radiation is produced when charged particles, such as electrons, are accelerated in a circular path by a magnetic field. This acceleration causes the particles to emit electromagnetic radiation, which can range from infrared to X-rays. This radiation is then directed and focused using specialized equipment, such as undulators or wigglers, to produce intense beams of light for various scientific applications.

On the other hand, FELs use a different method to produce radiation. In an FEL, electrons are also accelerated in a linear path, but instead of being forced to travel in a circular path, they are allowed to travel freely in a straight line. This allows for the electrons to bunch together and emit coherent radiation, which means the waves of light are all in phase with each other. This produces a very intense and focused beam of light, with a wavelength that can be tuned to a specific range.

In terms of undulators and wigglers, both are types of magnetic devices used in synchrotron radiation facilities to produce the electromagnetic radiation. The main difference between the two is the strength of the magnetic field. Undulators have a weaker magnetic field and produce radiation with a smaller wavelength range, while wigglers have a stronger magnetic field and produce a broader range of wavelengths.

I hope this helps to clarify some of the differences between synchrotron radiation and FELs. Both are important tools in scientific research and have their own unique advantages and applications.
 

What is the main difference between synchrotron radiation and free electron laser?

The main difference between synchrotron radiation and free electron laser is the way in which the light is generated. Synchrotron radiation comes from the acceleration of charged particles, such as electrons, in a circular path. Free electron laser, on the other hand, uses a linear accelerator to accelerate electrons and then uses a series of magnets to wiggle the electrons back and forth, resulting in the production of coherent light.

Which type of light source is more powerful, synchrotron radiation or free electron laser?

In general, free electron laser is considered to be more powerful than synchrotron radiation. This is because the linear accelerator in free electron laser can accelerate electrons to higher energies than a circular accelerator, resulting in higher energy photons being produced.

What are the advantages of using synchrotron radiation over free electron laser?

One advantage of synchrotron radiation is that it can produce a broad spectrum of light, ranging from infrared to x-rays, whereas free electron laser is limited to producing light in a specific range of wavelengths. Additionally, synchrotron radiation facilities are often larger and more established, making them more accessible for research.

Why is free electron laser often used for studying materials and chemical reactions?

Free electron laser is often used for studying materials and chemical reactions because it can produce very short pulses of light, on the order of femtoseconds (10^-15 seconds). This allows for the observation of fast dynamics and reactions, which cannot be captured with other light sources.

Are there any potential applications for synchrotron radiation and free electron laser outside of scientific research?

Yes, both synchrotron radiation and free electron laser have potential applications in industry and technology. Synchrotron radiation can be used for materials analysis and quality control, while free electron laser can be used for advanced imaging techniques and laser machining.

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