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Jefferson Lab Site Tour

Free Electron Laser - Return Line

Free Electron Laser - Return Line

Only a small percentage of the beam's energy is converted into laser light by the wiggler magnet. In order to improve the Free Electron Laser's efficiency, the 'spent' beam is guided back to the linear accelerator portion of the machine where the electrons are once again sent through the cryomodule. The cryomodule isn't used to accelerate the electrons on this second trip, though. The electrons are intentionally sent through the cryomodule 'out of phase' so that their energy can be extracted and given to the 'fresh' beam that is passing through the cryomodule at the same moment. This energy recycling program allows the Free Electron Laser to operate very efficiently.

This tour reflects Jefferson Lab as it was in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In particular, this predates the 12 GeV upgrade and the addition of Hall D. For a modern look at the Lab, please see the Jeffeson Lab Virtual Tour.

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For questions about this page, please contact Steve Gagnon.