Three-dimensional analysis of the surface mode supported in Čerenkov and Smith-Purcell free-electron lasers

Abstract

In Čerenkov and Smith-Purcell free-electron lasers (FELs), a resonant interaction between the electron beam and the copropagating surface mode can produce a copious amount of coherent terahertz radiation. We perform a three-dimensional (3D) analysis of the surface mode, taking the effect of attenuation into account, and set up 3D Maxwell-Lorentz equations for both these systems. Based on this analysis, we determine the requirements on the electron beam parameters, i.e., beam emittance, beam size and beam current for the successful operation of a Čerenkov FEL.