Far Infrared Spectroscopy Using the UCSB Free Electron Laser

A free electron laser (FEL) of a unique design came into operation at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) last August. The laser outputted at λ = 400 μ with a power exceeding 3 kW peak into a pulse of duration 30 μm. Since the initial observation the UCSB FEL has operated almost continuously. The present estimate of peak power levels is 10 kW, and pulse lengths have increased to >50 μsec.

by William M. Yen