Laser induced bunch lengthening on the ACO storage ring FEL

The experimental procedures and data obtained during a study of the laser-induced change in the electron bunch length are reported for trials with a free-electron laser (FEL). Bunch lengthening is thought to play a critical role in the efficiency and power output of an FEL. The experimental apparatus consisted of an external laser, an undulator ring, and a nonisochronous storage ring. Synchrotron light in the storage ring was measured by a photodiode, and bunch length changes were monitored by tuning the receiver mode to a harmonic of the orbit frequency. A Gaussian electron pulse shape was assumed, together with a Gaussian envelope for the Fourier transform, which was proven in a previous experiment. The power spectra of the photodiode were modeled analytically. It was found that high current conditions alter the electron excitation and require further theoretical modeling.