Abstract
The relativistic motion of an electron is calculated in the combined fields of a transverse helical wiggler field (axial wavelength is ) and the constant-amplitude, circularly polarized primary electromagnetic wave () propagating in the direction. For particle velocity near the beat-wave phase velocity of the primary wave, it is shown that the presence of a second, moderate-amplitude longitudinal wave () or transverse electromagnetic wave () can lead to stochastic particle instability in which particles trapped near the separatrix of the primary wave undergo a systematic departure from the potential well. The condition for onset of instability is calculated, and the importance of these results for free-electron-laser (FEL) application is discussed. For development of long-pulse or steady-state free-electron lasers, the maintenance of beam integrity for an extended period of time will be of considerable practical importance. The fact that the presence of secondary, moderate-amplitude longitudinal or transverse electromagnetic waves can destroy coherent motion for certain classes of beam particles moving with velocity near may lead to a degradation of beam quality and concomitant modification of FEL emission properties.
- Received 18 January 1982
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.26.410
©1982 American Physical Society