Microscopic gain mechanism in the high-gain free electron laser

Abstract In this article we present a detailed investigation of the microscopic electron/radiation evolution in a high-gain free electron laser (FEL). Both the steady-state and in particular the superradiant regimes are investigated. Solutions of the one-dimensional FEL evolution equations are represented dynamically by animated computer graphics to produce "movies" of the electrons/radiation evolution. We believe this form of representation of the FEL process provides a clearer, intuitive picture of the underlying mechanisms involved. This has been of particular importance in the understanding of more complex FEL mechanisms such as superradiant phenomena