Three-dimensional simulation of coherent inverse Compton scattering

Abstract

Novel compact X-ray sources using coherent ICS have the potential to positively impact a wide range of sectors by making hard x-ray techniques more accessible. However, the analysis of such novel sources requires improvements to existing simulation routines to incorporate Coulomb forces among particles and effects related to the phase of emitted radiation. This thesis develops a numerical routine for calculating the radiation scattered by electrons counter-propagating with a linearly-polarized, Gaussian laser pulse. The routine takes into account electron-electron repulsion and the constructive and destructive interference between the radiation emitted by each electron, making it suitable for characterizing the properties of inverse Compton scattering (ICS) sources where the electron density varies on the order of the laser wavelength. Finally, an analysis of the emission characteristics for an example ICS source with coherent emission at 10 nm wavelength is included. The source uses a 2 MeV electron bunch and a 1 /pm wavelength laser. The coherent emission demonstrates a significantly narrowed linewidth and greatly increased output power when compared to traditional ICS.