Energy recovery linacs

Abstract

The successful operation and continuing progress of several Energy-Recovery Linacs (ERLs) have inspired multiple applications of ERLs, which include highpower free-electron lasers (FELs), synchrotron radiation sources that promise extremely high brightness and ultrashort pulse length, electron cooling devices, and electron-ion colliders with projected luminosity that far exceeds that of colliding rings. The key accelerator physics and technology challenges to realize future ERL designs are being investigated vigorously in several test facilities and ERL prototypes around the world. The ongoing ERL projects and proposals are reviewed and progress toward resolving accelerator physics and technology challenges is presented.