A model describing stable coherent synchrotron radiation in storage rings.

We present a model describing high power stable broadband coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) in the terahertz frequency region in an electron storage ring. The model includes distortion of bunch shape from the synchrotron radiation (SR), which enhances higher frequency coherent emission, and limits to stable emission due to an instability excited by the SR wakefield. It gives a quantitative explanation of several features of the recent observations of CSR at the BESSY II storage ring.

Observation of broadband self-amplified spontaneous coherent terahertz synchrotron radiation in a storage ring.

Bursts of coherent synchrotron radiation at far-infrared and millimeter wavelengths have been observed at several storage rings. A microbunching instability has been proposed as the source for the bursts. However, the microbunching mechanism has yet to be elucidated.