INTRODUCTION

The primary radiation source at the UCSB Center for Terahertz Science and Technology consists of two fully operational Free-Electron Lasers, the MM-FEL and the FIR-FEL, covering the range of 2.5 mm to 63 µm (4 to 160 cm-1 or 120 GHz to 4.75 THz). A third FEL, which is under development and has recently lased for the first time, will extend this to 30 µm. These FELs are connected to a users' laboratory by a vacuum optical transport system. Twelve switchable output ports allow multiple experimental setups. This facility is unique in providing tunable, coherent, kilowatt-level radiation for scientific research in the far-infrared portion of the spectrum. A 6 MV, recirculating-beam, electrostatic accelerator generates a high quality 2 Amp beam for these FELs which are located in a three position beam switchyard. A separate 2 MV, CW, MM-wave FEL is also under development.


SPONSORSHIP

The UCSB FELs have been developed and operated under various Office of Naval Research (ONR) contracts, most recently under the Department of Defense Medical Free Electron Laser and Material Science program. This funding ended Feb, 2001. The FELs are continuing to provide radiation to users on a recharge basis. Fortunately, the machinery is proving to be reliable and should remain operable so long as no major failures occur.