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Free electron lasers for transmission of energy in spaceA one-dimensional resonant-particle model of a free electron laser (FEL) is used to calculate laser gain and conversion efficiency of electron energy to photon energy. The optical beam profile for a resonant optical cavity is included in the model as an axial variation of laser intensity. The electron beam profile is matched to the optical beam profile and modeled as an axial variation of current density. Effective energy spread due to beam emittance is included. Accelerators appropriate for a space-based FEL oscillator are reviewed. Constraints on the concentric optical resonator and on systems required for space operation are described. An example is given of a space-based FEL that would produce 1.7 MW of average output power at 0.5 micrometer wavelength with over 50% conversion efficiency of electrical energy to laser energy. It would utilize a 10 m-long amplifier centered in a 200 m-long optical cavity. A 3-amp, 65 meV electrostatic accelerator would provide the electron beam and recover the beam after it passes through the amplifier. Three to five shuttle flights would be needed to place the laser in orbit.
Document ID
19820017623
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Segall, S. B.
(KMS Fusion, Inc. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Hiddleston, H. R.
(KMS Fusion, Inc. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Catella, G. C.
(KMS Fusion, Inc. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1981
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-165520
NAS 1.26:165520
KMSF-U-1185
Accession Number
82N25499
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS3-22659
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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