Coherent {\gamma}-ray Generation By Partially Stripped Ion Beams

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method for generating coherent gamma-rays using partially stripped ion beams and laser backscattering, leveraging a collective instability similar to FELs.

Contribution

It introduces a new scheme for coherent gamma-ray production based on ion beam microbunching, differing from the Gamma Factory concept.

Findings

The scheme can produce tunable, coherent gamma-rays.

It requires higher laser intensity and ion current than previous proposals.

The collective instability enables microbunching of ions for coherence.

Abstract

We describe a scheme for generation of coherent $\gamma$-rays by backscattering intense visible laser light from a beam of partially stripped ions. The scheme is similar in principle to the proposed Gamma Factory at CERN, with the important difference that the scattering becomes coherent as a result of a collective instability which microbunches the ions. This instability is analogous to that which occurs in high-gain free electron lasers (FELs). The scheme potentially offers a route to a source of tuneable, coherent $\gamma$-rays, opening up a wide range of possible new applications and opportunities. We find that the parameter requirements for realization of coherent $\gamma$-ray generation regime are considerably more stringent than those proposed for the Gamma Factory, requiring significant increases in the pump laser intensity and possibly the ion beam current.