The Maryland Center for Free-Electron Laser Research
Prof. Patrick G. O'Shea
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| Dr. Patrick O'Shea |
Starting with the discovery of controlled fire, humans have learned to use light to see, to communicate, and to initiate chemical reactions (e.g. cooking). We now use light in many forms such as x-ray, visible laser light, microwaves and radio waves. There are still some regions of the spectrum where better and more powerful sources of light are needed, such as the x-ray, infrared and far infrared (TeraHertz). Better sources in these regions will be useful for improved biological imaging, for example.
Free-Electron Lasers (FELs) are a type of laser that is capable of producing high power light at wavelengths where other sources are weak. FELs use electron beams (or swarms) passing through a magnet array to produce light. The quality of the FEL light output depends critically on the quality of the electron beam used to drive the FEL.
At the University of Maryland Center for Free-Electron Laser Research, we are exploring new technologies to create, measure and control bright, high quality, electron beams. In recent years we have invented new types of electron sources, and new means to measure and control electron swarms. Our FEL research is funded by the Office of Naval Research. We perform experiments at our home facilities as well as at Brookhaven National Lab in New York, Argonne National Lab near Chicago, and Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Virginia.
For further details please see http://www.ireap.umd.edu/FEL/
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