Third-generation synchrotron light sources such as the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory have been able to meet most user demands; however, there are still experiments that can profit from higher performance in the areas of peak and average brightness as well as temporal duration. A possible means to achieve this is by utilizing the free-electron laser process. Unfortunately, using "conventional" techniques, one runs into difficulties at x-ray wavelengths. This obstacle can be surmounted by using the self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) process. After a brief history of synchrotron radiation production and uses, the SASE FEL process will be described. Recent milestone experiments will be discussed, and a timeline leading to the next generation of synchrotron light sources will be given.

ANL Physics Division Colloquium Schedule