Experimental-Observation of Limit-Cycle Oscillations in a Short-Pulse Free-Electron Laser

The first experimental observation of limit-cycle power oscillations in a short-pulse free-electron laser is presented. These are due to a nonlinear modulation of the optical micropulse shape and phase by the electrons, which leads to the formation of a train of subpulses. Experimentally, the oscillations have been found to depend on the slippage distance and on the desynchronism between optical pulses and electron bunches, comparing well with theoretical predictions.