States of an electron with a limited free path length in an electromagnetic wave field
Abstract
The states of a nonrelativistic electron in a field with potentials arranged in a Fourier series in spatial harmonics are determined analytically. The analysis is relevant to the Smith-Purcell effect, which consists of electromagnetic field generation due to electron transit near the surface of a diffraction grating. This effect is of interest not only in connection with the operation of free electron lasers but also as a model of processes taking place in plasma and in solids.
- Publication:
-
Pisma v Zhurnal Tekhnischeskoi Fiziki
- Pub Date:
- February 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992PZhTF..18...78P
- Keywords:
-
- Electromagnetic Fields;
- Electron States;
- Fourier Series;
- Gratings (Spectra);
- Electron Energy;
- Free Electron Lasers;
- Particle Motion;
- Phase Velocity;
- Plasma-Particle Interactions;
- Physics (General)