Emerging technologies for crystal-based gamma-ray light sources

Introduction

The TECHNO-CLS project focuses on breakthroughs in technologies necessary for designing and practically realizing novel gamma-ray Light Sources (LS) that operate at photon energies from approximately 100 keV up to the GeV range. These sources can be constructed by exposing oriented crystals (linear, bent, and periodically bent) to beams of ultrarelativistic charged particles.

Research Objectives

The TECHNO-CLS high-risk/high-gain science-towards-technology breakthrough research program will:

1. Address the physics of the processes accompanying the exposure of oriented crystals to irradiation by high-energy electron and positron beams.
2. Provide an atomistic level of detail needed for the realization of the TECHNO-CLS goals.

Collaboration Background

A broad interdisciplinary, international collaboration has previously been established within the framework of FP7 and H2020 projects. This collaboration has:

• Performed initial experimental tests to demonstrate the crystalline undulator (CU) concept.
• Engaged in the production and characterization of periodically bent crystals.
• Developed related theoretical frameworks.

Goals of TECHNO-CLS

TECHNO-CLS aims to build upon these successful studies to achieve practical realization of novel gamma-ray LSs, including:

• Crystalline undulators (CUs)
• Crystalline synchrotron radiation emitters
• Other related technologies

Potential Applications

Additionally, by utilizing a pre-bunched beam, a CU LS has the potential to generate coherent superradiant radiation with wavelengths several orders of magnitude less than 1 Angstrom. This capability falls within a range that cannot be achieved with existing LSs based on magnetic undulators.

Impact on Basic Sciences

Such LSs will have numerous applications in basic sciences, including:

• Nuclear physics
• Solid-state physics
• Life sciences

Conclusion

The theoretical, computational, experimental, and technological results obtained during the course of this project will pave the way for key technological developments of LSs and their wide exploitation. The TECHNO-CLS international collaboration possesses all the necessary expertise to successfully conduct the outlined program.