Experimental Observation of Energy Modulation in Electron Beams Passing Through Terahertz Dielectric Wakefield Structures

TL;DR

This paper reports the experimental observation of energy modulation in electron beams caused by dielectric wakefield structures, demonstrating potential for generating coherent THz radiation through micro-bunching.

Contribution

First experimental demonstration of energy modulation in electron beams passing through dielectric-lined waveguides, aligning with theoretical models and enabling THz radiation generation.

Findings

Strong wakefield-induced energy modulation observed

Effective conversion into micro-bunches with 0.5-1 ps periodicity

Results agree with theoretical predictions

Abstract

We report observation of a strong wakefield induced energy modulation in an energy-chirped electron bunch passing through a dielectric-lined waveguide. This modulation can be effectively converted into a spatial modulation forming micro-bunches with a periodicity of 0.5 - 1 picosecond, hence capable of driving coherent THz radiation. The experimental results agree well with theoretical predictions.